Report: QPR U23s 1-3 Bristol City U23s

Monday, January 9th 2017

City Under-23s kicked off the New Year in style with an impressive 3-1 win at QPR.

Jack Challis, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Morrell all found the net at the Hoops’ Harlington training complex, leaving Brandon Adams’ spot-kick for the hosts to be nothing more than a consolation.

It was a dream start for Jamie McAllister’s side in the capital as Morrell’s free kick was headed home by Challis for the opener after just two minutes.

However, the home team hit back instantly as Adams was tripped in the area and he dusted himself down to slot in the resultant spot-kick.

Morrell and Osagi Bascome both went close for City before Lemonheigh-Evans’ 36th strike, volleying home from another Morrell free kick.

George Dowling teed up Morrell soon after half-time but from a good position inside the area, the Wales youth international slotted his effort wide.

QPR almost made City pay moments later when Axel Foley crashed against the crossbar before the ball could be hacked to safety.

The win was made safe six minutes from time when the second penalty of the game went City’s way after Lemonheigh-Evans was bundled over. Morrell stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the home goalkeeper the wrong way.

"It's great to start 2017 with a victory," coach McAllister said. "It was a great performance from the lads and that's now five games unbeaten for us, including four wins."

City Under-23s: Wollacott, Harper, Challis, Lyons-Foster, Kelly, McNulty (Andrews), Morrell, Dowling, Lemonheigh-Evans, Bascome (Herbin), McCoulsky.