Report: QPR U23s 2-4 Bristol City U23s

The hosts dictated play in the opening stages and their intense pressure paid dividends when they raced into a sixth minute lead with the first notable attack of the encounter.

Chay Tilt’s and Aiden Mesias combined well to release Aramide Oteh, who coolly slotted his strike beyond the advancing Jojo Wollacott from an inviting position.

The young Robins wouldn’t trail for long, however, when the pacey Kel Akpobire was hauled down inside the area.

The referee showed little hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Tyreeq Bakinson calmly converted, sending Marcin Brzozowski the wrong way.

With momentum in their stride, the development group turned the game on its head two minutes later when Tin Plavotic – who scored against the Hoops in the reverse fixture - fired a stunning volley into the top corner following a set-piece.

The Hoops went close to leveling the scores on the stroke of half-time but Wollacott produced a fine save to deny Oteh, following a neat passage of play from the lively Tilt and Mesias. 

Chances were of a premium after the break, until Kaine Sinclair extended City’s advantage midway through the half.

Sinclair latched on to Bakinson’s raking cross from the left, before drilling an effort past the helpless Brzozowski from inside the area.

QPR heads began to drop at the club’s Harlington training ground, while the Robins were oozing with confidence, as the fourth goal showcased.

Marcus Day raced forward and from 20 yards he sent a glorious right-footed shot curling into the far corner, securing victory in west London.

The hosts did reduce the deficit three minute from time, when Ody Alfa finished off an eye catching solo run by rounding Wollacott and passing into an empty net, but it proved nothing but a consolation.

City’s attentions will now turn to the visit of Colchester United on Friday afternoon (April 23^rd, 2pm) – the first of three remaining league fixtures.

Bristol City Under-23s: Wollacott, Ali, Nurse, Bakinson, Plavotic, H Smith, Sinclair (K Smith), Richards, Akpobire, Rees (Hall), Day. Subs not used: Hall, Carey, Spark.