Great result for the U18 and with what was a very young side.
The formation and shape was excellent and fluid – initially Mawongo, Ludvigsen and Dabrowski in the middle with Lissah and a deep lying Hillier either side, a powerful midfield of skipper Josh Edwards and Josh Carey, with Kyell Wilson further forward supporting a strong strikeforce of Geoff Bony and Iwan Morgan.
Our first 3 goals (how good does that sound?) were quite similar: neat passing by Lissah and Morgan set Wilson away for the first; a breakaway from a QPR corner set Bony away from the halfway line for the 2nd; Morgan decisively finished the 3rd on half-time.
QPR were by no means a poor side, very quick, decent wide players and precise on the ball. A more obliging referee might even have awarded them a penalty rather than the corner that preceded our breakaway 2nd. They kept pressing and further space opened up for us in middle and up front.
Our middle 3 was firm, resolute in the tackle and eliminated the self-inflicted mistakes that have plagued this season. Tyler Evans made a timely tip onto the bar and over from a deflected shot by QPR’s Murphy that looked to be looping in when we were still only 1 up.
Even though we lost Kai Ludvigsen on half-time – a precaution, apparently – the defence rearranged effectively, Lisssah going to the middle and Briton Ferry Llansawel debutant Corey Hurford slotting in at right back.
Wilson scored a cracker from the edge of the penalty area from a Bony cutback to put us 4 up and Hurford got some deserved luck with a rebound onto his leg into the net after a bursting run into the box.
QPR never gave up – they continued to press and make chances, but for once fortune was on our youngsters’ side and we not only kept a clean sheet but created further opportunities on the break.
A highly encouraging performance and a lot of credit must also go to coach Darren Davies. Every player played his part, the decision to play 2 strong forwards up front who can take direct passes, hold and lay off was a revelation.