Bedford Town (1) – QPR Development Squad (2)
Team: Salamon, Drewe, Larkeche, Woodman, Hawkins, Aoraha, Duke-McKenna, Pedder, Dixon-Bonner, Armstrong, Kargbo
Subs: Cant, Jude-Boyd, Harrack, Kolli
Sammy collected us from Park Royal and we made the journey to the New Eyrie Stadium in good time. Match programmes were available, and a number of R’s fans were already in attendance.
The ground was opened in 1993 and next door, literally, in McMullen Park, is the home of Real Bedford FC. With pirate flags flying aloft, the area between the two grounds sort of resembled ‘Checkpoint Charlie’ in Berlin.
Three minutes in, and Lee Bircham’s side were awarded a free kick 30 yards out in a widish-right position. Kyle Connolly stepped up and his lofted cross/shot flew straight in.
However, Rangers equalised five minutes later after Sinclair Armstrong had rounded the keeper and Hamzad Kargbo slotted the loose ball home.
The R’s went close to taking the lead when Hamzad Kargbo’s spectacular effort ended up just wide of the upright.
For the home side, I think it was Kyle Connolly who belted the ball just over the crossbar from around 25 yards.
At the other end, Stephen Duke-McKenna’s cross from the right ended up coming off the post.
QPR took a deserved lead around ten minutes before the break. A deft touch found Rafferty Pedder, who then burst forward before picking his spot. Half-time: 2-1.
Into the second-half and it was Sinclair Armstrong who, firstly, tested Nathan McDonald and then later, after bombing down the right-wing, he shot into the side-netting.
The Eagles No.3 was booked for a cynical foul on Rafferty Pedder.
On the hour mark, Rayan Kolli was introduced at the expense of Sinclair Armstrong.
As the R’s looked to increase their lead, Rayan Kolli headed Elijah Dixon-Bonner’s cross over the bar.
Good work by Rafferty Pedder when he dispossessed an opponent in his own half and then take off upfield to just outside the box before superbly laying the ball off.
An excellent cross from the right found Hamzad Kargbo whose close-range volley was well-grabbed by the keeper.
The final change was made in the 83rd minute when Kayden Harrack replaced Henry Hawkins.
Next up for the Development Squad is a trip to the Powerday Stadium to face Hanwell Town.
Thanks to Sammy for the lift.
Steve Russell