QPR’S development squad drew 1-1 at Brighton on Monday evening, with Mo Shariff on target for the R’s before George Barker levelled, while keeper Aaron Lennox was on hand to save a late Seagulls penalty.
The young Rangers side flew out of the blocks and took the lead early on when Bruno Andrade created space down the right before producing an excellent delivery, which Shariff was well placed to tap home.
Moments later, the visitors could have doubled their lead. A great passing move across the middle of the park resulted in a Rangers trialist being put through one-on-one, but his effort was well saved by Brighton custodian Peter Brezovan from 12 yards.
In the opening 45 minutes, the R’s dominated for large spells with Lennox largely untested between the sticks.
After the break, Shariff went close to grabbing his second of the evening but his long-range shot fizzed wide of the upright.
Brighton came more into the game in the second period and they levelled when Barker converted from close range following good work by Shamir Goodwin.
The visitors nearly stole an unlikely lead moments later but Lennox produced an excellent save to prevent Barker from adding to his tally.
At the other end, Rangers continued to ask questions and Shariff had a great chance to restore the visitors’ lead but he could only fire over from close range, while Tom Hitchcock also went close but hit the side-netting from a tight angle.
With 15 minutes remaining, Barker was felled in the Rangers area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Charlie Oatway took the penalty but saw his effort spectacularly saved by Lennox, diving high to his left.
In the closing stages, Lennox was again on hand to prevent Brighton from grabbing all three points, this time denying Solly March’s well-struck free-kick.
QPR: Aaron Lennox, Trialist, Taylor Parmenter, Jamie Sendles-White, Michael Harriman, Bruno Andrade, Frankie Sutherland, Freddie Champion, Mo Shariff, Michael Doughty, Tom Hitchcock