Report: City U23s 2-0 QPR U23s

City were ahead as quickly as the fourth minute when Bell finished a flowing attacking move. Walsh was the pivot who got City moving, and Watkins flicked the ball into the path of Bell who powered the ball past QPR keeper Max Little.

The Robins were a dominant force as the game went on and O’Dowda went close to doubling their lead with a free kick that was a whisker away.

But it wouldn’t take long before Watkins was on the scoresheet with a wonderful connection. Han-Noah Massengo forced the QPR error as they lost the ball in their defensive third, Watkins picked up possession and buried the ball past Little.

More chances came and went for City with Little denying O’Dowda, while Walsh struck agonisingly over from distance.

Bell then could and should have added the third goal after a great driving run from Massengo. The French midfielder slipped the ball into Bell, who cut inside but couldn’t find the target before the half-time whistle.

Max O’Leary had more to do after the break, perhaps as expected though the Robins remained largely in control.

Deshane Dalling had the City keeper at full stretch but his shot sailed wide, whistle at the other end Taylor Moore had a strong header parried well by Little.

Baker went close too when he saw a header deflected over, before the towering defender alongside O’Dowda and Watkins were replaced by Aden Baldwin, Vince Harper and Tommy Conway, respectively.

QPR threatened late on, forcing O’Leary into a double stop with around 10 minutes remaining but in truth this result was never in doubt.

Sam Pearson, who made his first team debut just days earlier, then drilled into the side netting before the action concluded.

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