Queens Park Rangers Under 18 Academy side advanced to the next round of the Middlesex Challenge Cup, but only after a tense battle that was eventually decided by kicks from the penalty mark against Hendon Football Club.
In a tight, hard-fought match, neither side could find a way through during a scoreless first half at the Hartswood Training Ground.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 71st minute following a moment of individual brilliance from QPR’s young Bermudian forward, Kalen Brunson.
Brunson produced a spectacular run, showcasing quick feet to round the Hendon goalkeeper before being brought down, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Gabriel Oluwabusola calmly converted the resulting penalty, handing Rangers a crucial 1-0 lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived. Hendon Football Club showed resilience, levelling the scores just nine minutes later to make it 1-1.
With the score remaining locked after 90 minutes, the cup tie went straight to a decisive penalty shootout.
The young Rangers side, who had "dug deep all game," showed immense character under pressure. Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser, they held their nerve in the spot-kick lottery.
QPR Rangers emerged victorious, winning the shootout 2-1 to secure their place in the next round of the Middlesex Challenge Cup.
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