Fab free kick!

Loftus Road hosted the FA Youth Cup fixture between Queens Park Rangers u18’s and Oldham Athletic u18’s tonight. With the winner being rewarded an away tie at Bournemouth in the next round. Going into this game the R’s have been winless since their visit to Watford, back in the opening week of November. Our greater Manchester guest got heavily beaten by local rivals Preston in their last match. Losing five goals to two.

Cup fever got underway with Oldham dominating the game early on. From kick off the visitors looked lively, and had a chance to take the lead moments after it began. Harrack smashing against the bar on the eleventh minute was as close as QPR got. Turner came up clutch for the visitors as he delivered in a cross for Simms, who narrowly misses his header. Going forward again Edwards corner almost broke the deadlock twenty-two minutes in. A minute later they had another opportunity to score, Cookson missing from six yards out. Forcing the travelling keeper into action, Bala charged on but his effort got saved. Before half time Murphy saw his shot go over the bar.

Goalless at the break. Oldham the better team, miles ahead. Should be in front. QPR failed to make use of their chances. From the restart the host looked better. Flicking his effort over the bar forty-seven minutes in, Bala got close. Fantastic Oldham block on the fiftieth minute kept it level. Finally getting the opening goal of the night was Murphy. Fifty-five minutes in, and what a strike it was. Curled free kick from the edge of the box smashes into the net. Looking for a second R’s goal Dougui went up the field. Just missing with a low effort. Still searching for a second Kolli put his chance over the bar sixty-two minutes in. Pressing forward, QPR had another go. Dougui finishes his shot, finding the top corner. Acres of space around him. Doubling the lead with twenty minutes to go. Brilliant cross in the seventy fourth minute found Simms in the box, handing the northern side a cancelation. Pin point passing landed on the players head for a simple finish.

In conclusion this fixture offered great entertainment at Loftus Road. Both sides playing well in spells, and taking chances when given. Bala standing out amongst others on the pitch. Congratulations to the Young R’s side for progressing to the next round. An away tie awaits them. Special mention to the travelling fans who made the journey down, showing real commitment to their club. Wishing them all a safe journey home.