Rangers’ U18 side ran out 1-0 winners against their counterparts from West Bromwich Albion at a rain lashed Brunel on Saturday morning in the Youth Alliance Cup. The R’s needed extra time to see off their highly rated opponents and the goal came from a promising player who seems to have decided his future lies in W12.

The reputation of the West Brom side had clearly preceded them and Joe Gallen decided to go in with a 5-3-2 formation against a team averaging three goals a game. Thomas was in goal with behind a middle three of Johnson, Kanyuka and Fletcher. Yelland and Murphy filled the wing back roles. In midfield Bailey, Zadkovich and Mulholland were supporting a front two of Townsend and a Aaron Samuel, a striker on trial.

In the early stages it was clear to see why the men from the Midlands had done so well this season. They kept the ball very well and seemed an organised unit from front to back. Their left winger in particular had plenty of tricks and Yelland had to be on his mettle to keep his threat under wraps.

For all their possession though West Brom were struggling to create anything of note and when they did their finishing was less than decisive. Kanyuka and Johnson in particular were having commanding games at the back and whenever they didn’t get the ball Sean Thomas was happy to pick up the pieces. It was great to see two players who clearly have strong personalities and don’t mind telling it like it is. At one point Kanyuka was heard shouting at Fletcher, “Why don’t you make a decision for once in your life”! He clearly wasn’t overly enamoured with the third centre halves showing!

With The Baggies forcing Rangers back it was vital that the ball stick up front whenever we had it. Townsend was doing an able job but Samuel was not having such a great time. He can only have touched the ball five times in the half and it was no surprise to see him get the hook at half time. Support to the front two was also sporadic with the midfield trio having to defend most of the time.

At the break Gallen changed things around and went to a conventional 4-4-2. Fletcher and Samuel made way for Matt O’Connell and Kieran St Aimee and the difference in performance was there for all to see. Now Townsend had a presence next to him and the back four seemed more comfortable than the five. It also allowed Zadkovich to start imposing himself on the game and he was snapping into the challenge and driving his team mates on at every turn.

It was the young Aussie who came closest for Rangers to winning the game in normal time. He stole into the box to get on the end of a Stefan Bailey cross only to see his header fly wide of the far stick. At the other end West Brom were struggling to create much with Johnson and Kanyuka seeming to become more dominant as the game wore on.

Shortly before the end of normal time Daniel Murphy had to be taken from the field on a stretcher following a firm but fair challenge from a West Brom player. Fortunately he was up and about again shortly after which was good to see. Hopefully the damage is not too serious and he will be back in action sooner rather than later.

The R’s goal came almost immediately after the start of extra time. Rangers won a freekick on the left of the West Brom area. The ball was whipped in and Big Pat Kanyuka rose highest to flight a header toward the far post. The Baggies keeper seemed to have done enough to keep it out only for the ball to cannon back off the bar, hit the hapless keeper on the way down and drop into the net. Couldn’t have got it two minutes earlier could you chaps!

For the rest of extra time the pattern was a familiar one. Rangers’ players and fans were frustrating the West Brom lads with the slow return of the ball and they were becoming increasingly ratty. The simple fact of the matter was that they were struggling to create a chance worthy of the name. Thomas was hardly called upon in extra time and come the final whistle Rangers were worthy winners.

This was a very good show, especially in the second half and extra time. Players that stood out for me were Kanyuka, Johnson, Zadkovich, Townsend and St Aimee. The two centre halves were magnificent, although very different from one another. Kanyuka will head anything that comes near him and is strong in the tackle whereas Johnson looks to be more of a thinking centre half. He has all the little tugs on the shirt and shoves that buy time in that position. I think both of them could become major assets. Kanyuka has apparently rejected a move to Manchester City which is great news for the club.

Zadkovich in the middle was living up to the billing given to him by Ainsworth in the programme a couple of weeks ago. He is ferocious in the challenge but this is allied with good use of the ball, decent delivery on set pieces and driving runs from deep.

Up front Townsend chased lost causes all day. He was hardly given a sight of goal but that did not stop him challenging for every ball and running himself into the ground. St Aimee changed the pattern of the game when he came on. Like Townsend he was strong in the air but he also had good touch on the ground and he was like a study in perpetual motion. I don’t think he stopped moving from the moment he got on.

This was a big scalp and a deserved one. West Brom are also in our Merit Division so there will be an early chance for them to get revenge for this one. This game was keenly contested and there was plenty to make you want to see these two lock horns again.

QPR: Thomas, Yelland, Murphy (Farr), Fletcher (O’Connell), Kanyuka, Johnson, Bailey, Zadkovich, Samuel (St Aimee), Townsend, Mulholland.