OXFORD UNITED U21 5-1 QPR DS

QPR Development Squad fell to a 5-1 defeat to an Oxford United U21s side on Tuesday afternoon which included several first team players, with Cian Dillon’s early goal proving in vain for the R’s.

Paul Furlong’s men came into this fixture off the back of two successive defeats to Hanwell Town and Wealdstone, with this fixture being added late on to finish our pre-season schedule.

The U’s fielded a remarkably experienced U21 side, which included 28-year-old Hidde ter Avest and EFL stalwart Will Vaulks among others. Meanwhile Furlong listed a relatively youthful side with 16-year-olds Alfie Pittall making his DS debut in goal, and Kalen Brunson on the left wing. South African starlet Tylon Smith also made his QPR debut in defence.

Rangers made the perfect start to the game with less than a minute on the clock through Rocco Friel’s threaded pass finding Cian Dillon who slotted away for his second goal in as many games.

However, things took a turn very quickly as Louis Griffiths took advantage of a save from Pittall that fell kindly for him which he tapped home to put the hosts level.

Oxford United took the lead at the 30-minute mark, yet again through Griffiths who curled in an elegant finish from range, and chaos at the back allowed O’Donkor through to add a third on the brink of half time.

Furlong looked to his bench at the break with hot prospect 15-year-old Leon Scarlett replacing Kieran Petrie on the right wing. Tylon Smith and Isaiah Balogun were also switched sides at centre back for the second half.

Unfortunately, the U’s were not relenting any time soon, with Leo Snowden making it four for the hosts with another impressive finish just minutes in.

Further changes were made at the hour mark with Tylon Smith and Kalen Brunson making way for Gabe Cuthbert and Jake Coomes as Rangers looked for fresh inspiration.

However, any hopes of a turnaround were safely put to rest less than five minutes later with O’Donkor emphatically heading home a Snowdon cross to increase the hosts’ lead even further.

The hosts even had a chance to add further gloss to the scoreline late on with Bradney’s strong effort hitting the woodwork.

Paul Furlong’s Development Squad are back in action on Tuesday 12th August as they start off their Professional Development League campaign at the TSG Training Centre, taking on Coventry City U21s at 2pm.

QPR DS: Fittall, Friel, Leahy, Balogun, Smith (Cuthbert 60’), Tuck, Dixon-Bonner, O’Brien, Petrie (Scarlett 45’), Brunson (Coomes 60’), Dillon (1’)