Wanderers U18s got their first victory of the 2019/20 Professional Development League season, as they beat their Queens Park Rangers counterparts 4-2 at Heaton Sports Ground.
Wanderers started the game very well, as Finlay Lockett caused problems down the left with searing pace and dribbling ability, which was prevalent throughout the 90 minutes.
However, against the run of play, it was Queens Park Rangers who broke away with the first chance of the game and it would have led to a goal, but for a great save from Luke Hutchinson.
After this, the Whites started to dominate the game and through this, scored on 15 minutes as Joe White crossed from the left side, resulting in a QPR defender scoring in his own goal.
Both DeMarlio Brown-Sterling and Callum King-Harmes both went close to increasing the lead soon after, but both their efforts couldn’t extend Wanderers’ lead.
On the stroke of half-time, QPR broke away on the counter attack at quick tempo and equalised, leaving the game in the balance heading into the break.
The second half started like the first with Wanderers firmly on top.
Sonny Graham was instrumental in creating attacks for the Whites, which was a common theme as the game pressed on.
On the hour mark, Brown-Sterling broke free down the left and his shot was saved by the goalkeeper, only for Lockett to chip the ball towards the goal and also was cleared off the line.
But, Joe White was there to strike an unstoppable volley home to give the Trotters the lead.
From there, we pushed on for more, as Toure broke free and squared the ball for Borwn-Sterling to tap home a third.
On 80 minutes, King-Harmes made sure of the three points as he scored from just inside the box for Wanderers’ fourth.
QPR scored a late consolation with the last kick of the game, but it wasn’t enough for the R’s.
Wanderers XI: Hutchinson, Whalley, Edmondson, Graham, Osigwe, Richards, King-Harmes, Wilcox, Brown-Sterling, White, Lockett.
Subs: Colvin, Alexander, Tweedley, Conway, Toure.
Nicky Spooner’s men play Barnsley away on Saturday 21 September at Oakwell Training Ground.