Birmingham U18 0-2 QPR U18

The U18’s were beginning to gel this season in terms of playing together. Ronan Hale is a classic example of the gems that we unearth here at Birmingham City after he signed his first professional contract earlier this month after some brilliant displays scoring over 20 goals this season.

The odds were stacked against the Blues’ from the 10 minute mark. The QPR play maker Jardell Francis-Adeyinka tried an audacious chip that looked to be looping over goalkeeer Max Beardmore. However, the youngster decided to take one for the team and handle outside of his own area. This resulted in a straight red card and an early bath.

Max was replaced by an U15 goalkeeper. Spooner said after the game that he ‘did really well and I was really pleased with him. ‘

Despite this major set back, the character of the lads was clear throughout. They all worked tirelessly in order to win the ball back at every opportunity and therefore credit has to go to the management whom install this mentality into the players from an early age.

Against the run of play, QPR took the lead. 30 minutes were on the clock and a simple piece of skill created an opening for the visitors. 1-0 just before half time. This was unfortunate as we had created a lot of chances after going down to 10 men and looked like the better team for large periods of the game. Josh Bowler was the QPR scorer.

Josh was also on target in the second half. With 20 minutes to go he finished well in order to give QPR a 2 goal cushion and all but secure the victory. Birmingham City created several half chances but just didn’t finish with as much composure as the opposition had done.


“I was really pleased with the players’ application, effort and work rate…’ Spooner, the academy manager, said. He was very pleased with his sides effort despite the set backs and to go down to 10 so early on actually showed that we had high levels of fitness.

‘…we got in a few times and had chances.’ He said about the first half. If we could have taken one of these chances, then it may have led the opposition to question their tactics a bit more and put them under severe pressure. Unfortunately, we were not able to find that goal.

‘Although the result was disappointing, we learnt a little bit more about their character…’ I am delighted that we are disappointed with a loss because you shouldn’t be in football if you do not mind losing. However, it is good to see how full of praise he was after the game because the lads were a credit to the football club.