Martin Rowlands got an hour of football under his belt as he prepares to return to action this Saturday in the reserves’ 2-2 draw at West Ham.

Both clubs fielded strong sides with a number of recognised first team players in both line ups. For Rangers Martin Rowlands started in midfield as he prepares to return from a three game ban this Saturday against Doncaster Rovers. He was joined in the line up by Hogan Ephraim, who is recovering from shin splints, Damion Stewart, Matteo Alberti, Adam Bolder and Sam Di Carmine.

The Hammers featured former R Nigel Quashie alongside Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte and James Collins. Quashie’s has been dogged with a persistent foot injury since moving to Upton Park while former Cardiff defender Collins injured his knee in a reserve game at the turn of the year and is only just beginning a come back.

The Premiership team quickly moved into a two goal lead with two Luis Boa Morte strikes in 180 seconds. First he slipped the ball into the bottom corner after collecting possession eight yards from goal, then he slammed home at the second attempt after Reece Crowther had initially denied him one on one.

Ephraim slotted home to halve the deficit and then Matteo Alberti drew the R’s level from the penalty spot beating Jan Lasruvka in the Hammers goal - clearly the Italian doesn’t believe in the weak pass back to the keeper method of penalty taking employed by Dexter Blackstock and Fitz Hall in recent first team matches. The penalty was won by Italian youth teamer Christian Nanetti who continues to attract good reviews for his performances in our junior and reserve ranks.

Manager Iain Dowie said: “It was good to see them in action and obviously the likes of Rowly and Hogan are now in my thoughts ahead of Saturday’s game against Doncaster. I must say I was also impressed with Romone Rose, who played up front for us, and young Femy Ilesanmi who was at left back. They both did very well and should be pleased with themselves.”

QPR: Crowther, Oastler, Stewart, Harris, Femy, Alberti, Rowlands, Bolder, Di Carmine, Rose
Subs: Bulmer, Flood, Arthur, Maguire, Nanetti, Ford


In other news young striker Angelo Balanta has been placed on standby for England U19’s forthcoming game with Holland in Shrewsbury on September 9. Balanta is Columbian by parentage but qualifies to play for England as well and already has caps at youth level to his name.

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