The reserves were in action this afternoon against QPR reserves (kick-off 2pm). The U's line-up included Alex Russell and Scott Paterson, who both play their second comeback games after spells out with injuries, and trialists Des Linton and Gary Ricketts from Hinckley. QPR included Paul Bruce, who had a loan spell at the Abbey last season, and the veteran Iain Dowie.

Despite an excellent equaliser from the edge of the box by Tom Youngs, United lost 2-1 when QPR scored a late winner. Alex Russell was taken off halfway through the second half but must have played his way into the picture for Friday night if he suffers no ill effects. Full report below.

United: Arjan Van Heusden, Ben Chenery, Dale Cockrill, Des Linton, Darren Howe, Scott Paterson, Andy Ingham, Alex Russell (Franco Nacca), Tom Youngs (Nathan Lamey), Gary Ricketts. Jamie Cassidy (Mark Gibson).
Subs: James Mercer, Adam Tann.

QPR: Ademola Bankole, Tony Scully, Paul Bruce, Karl Owen, Iain Dowie, Lee Jarman, Mark Perry, Leon Jeanne, Wayne Purser, Michael Mahoney-Johnson, Keith Rowland.
Subs: Terry McFlynn, Ludo Miklosko, Mario Lusardi, Michael Currie, Rik Lopez.

CUSA Chairman Brian Attmore wrote this report:

Alex Russell played a starring role for 65 minutes of this afternoon's reserve match at the Abbey. The result was a 2-1 reverse but a young United team were not disgraced against a strong QPR side. The visitors included player/coach Iain Dowie, Tony Scully and former United loanee Paul Bruce in their line-up, whilst for the U's the trialists were Darren Howe, Des Linton and Gary Ricketts (the latter impressed me).

It was an entertaining afternoon played in blustery conditions and showed that the standard of this League enables the young U's players to be stretched. They showed that they were up to the task and it was only a late winner from substitute "Super" Mario Lusardi that denied them a point. Earlier Mahoney-Johnson had headed the 'gers in to the lead in the 5th minute. This was equalised in the 32nd minute by an excellent goal by Tom Youngs. He broke through the defence and as he entered the penalty area shot into the top right hand corner of the net.

Jamie Cassidy had some good touches wide on the left and was not substituted until the 85th minute which may give a clue that he may not be on the bench for Friday as Russell and Youngs were both pulled off prior to him and their performances looked more hopeful.