PRE-SEASON MATCH REPORT • QPR U21s

Written by Callum Humprey

Hemel Hempstead Town sunk to a heavy 1-5 defeat at the Focus Community Arena against QPR’s under 21 side. After a goalless first half, the R’s were able to use their pace on the counter-attack to break through the Tudors’ back line as they were able to control the second half.

Despite the result, it was a good opportunity for Lee Bircham and his coaching staff to continue their pre-season preparations with minutes into his squad.

The Tudors had the first chance of the game, Jesse Effa’s dink dropping just wide after he was slipped through by George Williams in the fourth minute. Remaye Campbell then had his effort smothered by QPR keeper Taylor, before Michael Johnson stopped Trujillo. Devante Stanley slipped past a QPR defender with a nutmeg, but his shot was saved, and Neill saw his deflected effort flash just wide at the other end. 

Charlie Rowan repelled the guests twice in quick succession as a first half lacking action edged to a close, clearing off the line and then dealing with the ensuing six-yard box scrap. 

HALF TIME SCORE: 0-0

The visitors opened the scoring just six minutes after the interval as Friel was able to cut in on his right foot before curling past Trialist 1 in goal.

This prompted a swift reaction from the hosts as Leo Cole was able to square the ball across to Trialist 7, who tapped into an empty net in the 54th minute. However, momentum continued to swing from end to end as QPR retook the lead after a ricochet from an attempted clearance. After breaking the deadlock, Friel continued to be a thorn in the Tudors defence as his long range effort went narrowly past the post. Whilst the Tudors continued to push for an equaliser, this left them vulnerable to a counter-attack as Kennedy used his pace and poked the ball into the back of the net for QPR’s third goal.

Six minutes before the end, the visitors were able to extend their lead further as Aare was played through and slotted a low effort into the bottom corner for a fourth. The Tudors looked deflated as Aare raced through on goal before rounding the goalkeeper and tapping the ball into an empty net just before the final whistle.

Hemel will continue their pre-season this Saturday as they host Sky Bet League Two side Barnet in the Spencer McCall Invitational Trophy on Saturday 11th July.

MATCH GALLERY BELOW:

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