United’s Under-21s suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers at Thorp Arch on Monday afternoon.

QPR’s Under-21s took the lead in the first half against the run of play as United dominated proceedings. The visitors took their lead into the interval and extended their advantage from the penalty spot just before the hour mark.

At two goals down United struck back through Brian Montenegro following a quick thinking free-kick from young Brazilian Adryan.

Following a clash of heads in the second half Zan Benedicic had to leave the field of play, and with United having already used three substitutes they had to finish the game with 10-men.

With one man less it was United that looked the more likely in the closing stages but the equaliser didn’t materialise.

Neil Redfearn, who was back in the dug-out following his caretaker spell with the first team said: “It was an excellent game. They finished top of their league last year so we knew it would be a tough one.

“There wasn’t much in the game but their first goal came against the run of play and then Alex Cairns brought down their player for the penalty.

“We managed to pull a goal back after dominating large spells of the game. Unfortunately we had to finish the game with 10 men as Zan Benedicic came off with a head injury.

“But even with 10-men we dominated the play.”

Despite defeat the Academy manager was pleased with his players.

“I was really impressed with the whole team but the centre-back pairing of Ross Killock and Dario Del Fabro was excellent,” added Redfearn.  

“Overall I’m pleased with the display. We had a lot of possession in what was a highly competitive Under-21 fixture.”

United: Cairns, Coyle (Booker), Denton, Purver (Dawson), Killock, Del Fabro, Phillips, Hunt, Montenegro (Parkin), Adryan, Benedicic.