KIDS DUMPED OUT OF CUP
Monday 25th March 2008
by Ron Norris

Romone Rose returned to the under 18's set up but couldn't help keep the lads in the Youth Association Cup as they crashed out 3-0 to Colchester on Good Friday.

Rose made a brief visit back from his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon but only featured in the first half before being forced from the action at half time with an illness, Chris Arthur also hobbled off during the break forcing Steve Brown into an unwanted double change.

The visitors went in front inside the first ten minutes and after the interval took advantage of Rangers changes before they could settle by doubling their lead five minutes after the re-start. Rangers were forced to chase the game and left themselves open for the third which came in stoppage time to wrap up a convincing win for The U's.

After such a good run it was a shame to see Rangers fail to make any impact in this semi final. The poor performance was only matched by the miserable weather as sleet hammered horizontally across Harlington and a swirling wind only made things worse for the players and watching fans most of whom sensibly scampered to the warmth inside whilst the more hardy souls got soaked and frozen. 

The only positive of the day was the return to action of Danny Maguire who came on for the last fifteen minutes of the game having been sidelined since November with a foot injury.

So it's back to league action for the young R's next weekend who saw their lead at the top of the table trimmed to six points after Leyton Orient's victory. We still have a game in hand though and can extend the lead with victory over third placed Gillingham at Harlington on Saturday.

QPR: Crowther, Coyne, Ford, Lawrence, Brown, Arthur (Harriman), O'Brien (Maguire), Smith, Morgan-Cummings, German, Rose (Fernandez). Subs not used: Wright, Harris.