REPORT: Wealdstone 2-4 QPR U21s

Wealdstone fell to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers U21s in their first friendly of the summer, a game of two halves that was heavily impacted by all the typical tropes of pre-season.

The Stones took the lead in the first half through an Olufela Olomola penalty only to be pegged back in the second by an improved QPR eleven, as both sides made significant changes to their lineups for each half.

Wealdstone were unable to regain control of the match and the sharper QPR youngsters came away with a convincing win. The shirt numbers for both sides have not been finalised, and it featured several trialists, hence the lack of detail in some parts of this report.

Gary Waddock named a strong starting lineup which included new signings Joe Newton, Jayden Harris and Kyle Smith and they started on the front foot, winning an early free-kick on the edge of the box which Dylan Kadji fired into the wall.

QPR U21s showed a first glimpse of their quality in the 16^th minute, creating a crossing opportunity with some one-touch football. There were no takers however, after the ball was cut back across the face of goal.

The Rangers youngsters continued to grow into the game, winning a free-kick of their own at close range just 5 minutes later. Dante Baptiste reacted sharply to save the effort.

Wealdstone then regained some control of the game, having some more sustained spells of possession and winning a corner. Jack Cook rose highest unmarked to send a header over the bar in the 33^rd minute.

The Stones continued to apply the pressure and summer signing Joe Newton showed impressive acceleration to burst into the box ahead of a QPR defender who could only bring him down and concede a penalty.

Olufela Olomola stepped up and converted calmly from the spot to give Wealdstone the lead five minutes before the interval.  

HALF-TIME: Wealdstone 1-0 QPR U21s

Queens Park Rangers changed close to their entire team at half-time and immediately looked more impressive as the second half began, moving the ball with speed and accuracy to score two quick goals and take the lead in just 5 minutes.

On the hour mark it was Wealdstone’s turn to make a raft of changes, taking off the full starting eleven and replacing them with Jeffery Sekeyre, Josh Clay and 9 trialists.

The Stones looked to benefit initially from the energy boost of having a new team and equalised in the 67^th minute. A trialist striker rose to meet an impressive cross and headed the ball back across goal into the back of the net.

QPR U21s retook the lead 10 minutes later.  The trialist goalkeeper made an impressive initial save, but the ball was delivered back into the box before a trialist at centre-back turned it into his own goal while attempting to clear.

The Stones were now chasing shadows at times; perhaps unsurprisingly given the lack of familiarity they had with one another in comparison to their impressive academy opponents and fell further behind in the 81^st minute.

The referee awarded a penalty after a challenge that arguably could have been given either way and the Rangers attacker despatched it confidently to complete the scoring.

Despite the result, The Stones will have got some vital minutes into their legs and will look to forward to the next challenge on Saturday when they host Hemel Hempstead Town.

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FULL TIME: Wealdstone 2-4 QPR U21S