Samba Diakite completed 45 minutes of action as QPR’s Under 21s beat Watford 3-1 at Harlington in a behind-closed-doors friendly fixture this afternoon.
Diakite, who hasn’t played for the first team since our 1-1 draw at Norwich almost four weeks ago, looked fresh and full of running as he joined the action at half-time.
DJ Campbell gave Rangers the lead early on from the penalty spot following a foul in the box on Michael Doughty but the visitors drew level on the stroke of half-time.
After the break, Rangers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and regained the lead with their second penalty of the afternoon when Rob Hulse was bundled over.
R’s youth product Frankie Sutherland assumed responsibility from the spot, coolly sending the keeper the wrong way.
QPR doubled their advantage moments later through Tom Hitchcock. Mo Sharif delivered a set-piece from the left to the far post where Jake Downes smartly diverted the ball back across goal for Hitchcock to head home from close range.
The Under 21 fixture, which permits three over-aged players as well as the goalkeeper, provided useful run-outs for Kieron Dyer and Shaun Derry, who completed 55 and 90 minutes respectively.
QPR Starting XI: Murphy, Sharif, Magri, Brown, Sutherland, Doughty, Dyer, Derry, Andrade, Hitchcock, Campbell.