Shots Pound Rangers

Shots Reserves gave a committed performance at Loftus Road to sweep aside a young QPR side. There was a welcome return to action for long-term injury sufferer Dave Winfield who gave a very steady performance in the first 45 minutes.

The Shots took the game to Rangers right from the start with Mendes testing keeper Cole. On 14 minutes Scott Donnelly took a short corner to left-back Jason Milletti, the pair exchanged passes to open space, with Milletti perfectly curling a right-foot shot inside Cole's left-hand post to open the scoring. Rob Elvins worked hard all game, showing intelligent link-up play with the midfield. On the half hour Elvins threaded a pass through the QPR defence for Scott Donnelly who shot narrowly wide.

Lewis Chalmers on the scoresheet

Trialist Leslie Thompson was a lively presence on the right of midfield and always hungry for the ball. He came close to increasing Shots' lead with a curling chip that just cleared the bar. Lewis Chalmers was his usual hi-energy combative self, dominating the centre of play. In the 43rd minute a well-worked corner routine saw Donnelly lay a pass across the penalty area for Chalmers to attack and blast his shot, again inside Cole's left-hand post, for 2-0.

Youth team centre defender Calum Nimmo replaced Dave Winfield at half-time making an all-youth team partnership with the solid Ben Hutchings. QPR came back into the match in the early stages of the second half, but they were wasteful in front of goal. Andy Sandell was the next Shot to be replaced, after good spells on either flank testing the QPR fullbacks and tracking back when necessary.

With 20 minutes remaining Chris Flood shot from close range with Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz beating out the goalbound effort. Flood was first to the rebound trying to knock the ball over Shots keeper, but Jaimez-Ruiz threw up an arm for a very adept save. Youth team forward Reece Connolly was the final substitute, making a quick impact as Daniel Bailey brought him down in the box. Scott Donnelly dispatched a confident penalty making it 3-0 after 74 minutes.

Sylvan-Vanterpool and Maguire drew saves from Jaimez-Ruiz, but the final word went to the Shots on 86 minutes; Reece Connolly intercepted Ford's under-hit backpass laying the ball to Rob Elvins who flicked beyond Cole sealing Shots' convincing win.

A very impressive display from the Shots with Elvins, Chalmers and Sandell pushing themselves forward to feature in the watching Gary Waddock's plans, whilst everyone can feel pleased for Dave Winfield on his return. The Reserves next Combination match is at home to Reading, Wednesday 17th December, 2pm kick-off at the EBB Stadium. They travel to Basingstoke Town in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday 9th December.

Shots: Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz; Alex Bailey, Jason Milletti, Dave Winfield (Calum Nimmo 46), Ben Hutchings; Leslie Thompson (Reece Connolly 72), Lewis Chalmers, Scott Donnelly, Andy Sandell (Omar Simpson 62); Rob Elvins, Junior Mendes. Unused subs: Josh Huggins, Adam Mekki.