QPR Under-18s were beaten by two first-half goals at home to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Despite a fast start from the R’s, it was Charlton who had the first sight of goal – hitting the post from close range.

A couple minutes later, Tom Middlehurst – Rangers’ goalkeeper – was called into action and made a good save following a one-on-one.

Charlton took the lead in the 15th minute. A short corner was eventually crossed in low and hard and was put away from point-blank range.

With 20 minutes on the clock, QPR’s Lemar Griffiths had a shot from just outside the box which forced Charlton’s ‘keeper to get down low to his right to make the save.

The Addicks doubled their lead five minutes before half-time. A 25-yard strike left Middlehurst with little chance, as the ball flew into the top corner.

After signing a contract extension last week, Sinclair Armstrong looked to get a goal back for the Super Hoops in the second half. He received the ball on the right-hand side, turned his defender left and right then fired a cross-shot just over the bar.

The R’s pushed to try to half the deficit. A cross came in from the right which was missed by the defender but took Griffiths by surprise, as he couldn’t adjust his feet in time to get a good enough contact on the ball.

Sadly, Rangers were unable to find a way back into the game, with the match finishing 2-0 to the visitors.

QPR: Middlehurst, Anthony (Hawkins 66), McClean, Aoroha (Murphy 65), Harrack, Woodman (Hamid 65), Paiva, Conte, Trialist, Armstrong, Griffiths.

Report: Len Harvey | Imagery: Ian Randall