QUEENS Park Rangers youngsters lost out to Millwall in the opening stages of the Youth Alliance Cup.
Queens Park Rangers youngsters lost out to Millwall in the opening stages of the Youth Alliance Cup.
A side that lacked the consistent performances of Max Ehmer, Antonio German and Elliott Cox were a goal down after 11 minutes after a double block thwarted Connor French and David Adedipe and fell kindly for Hassan Janneh to finish off from close range for the visitors.
In truth Nik-Lee Bulmer was keeping Rangers in the tie denying Adedipe moments later from close range. Ten minutes before half time QPR struck back with Christian Nanetti scoring with a tremendous solo effort.
Cutting inside from the right, the young winger teased his defenders before rifling a left-footed shot into the bottom right hand corner, beating Wayne Drummond at his near post.
It was Bulmer that was destined to capture the headlines once more for QPR as he make a splendid double save to deny Connor French initially from a header then a spectacular close range parry.
There was nothing Bulmer could do about the winning goal as Grant Ludford fired home off the foot of the post with a dipping volley from the edge of the area with little under 20 minutes remaining.
QPR’s captain Andrew Perring was sent for an early bath after what was deemed a dangerous two footed tackle on the influential French.
Luckily for Rangers that isn’t all for cup activity as they have still to face Aldershot Town, Southend United and Wycombe Wanderers in Group Five of the Puma Youth Alliance Cup.
It is Aldershot whom they face next week away from home as they look to get their cup exploits back on track in the hope of emulating the class of last season by going all the way to the final.
QPR: Bulmer, Harriman, Waters, Perring, Parmenter, Olley, Bewick, Doughty, Nanetti, Molloy, Graham.
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