Rangers under 18’s went down 3-1 to Reading in their first pre-season game in what was described as a hard fought match by coach Joe Gallen.
It was the Berkshire side’s third pre-season game of the season and in the end their fitness and sharpness told on the day but many positives have been taken.
New Centre of Excellence manager Des Bulpin was there to observe the talent which he has been handed control of and Gallen pointed out that many of last season’s squad are progressing nicely. He believes many of the players will now be pushing for inclusion in Tim Breacker’s reserve side this term.
Speaking to the official website he said:
"It was the first game for the lads and Reading showed that they had a few matches under their belts. But the boys look like they are really raring to go, and we hope that a few of the lads will continue to push for more regular reserve team football this season.
"Luke Townsend scored another good goal, but we conceded two from set pieces, which is something we'll need to work hard on if we are to get back to the kind of form which made last season such a team success.
"We have a six game programme before the season kicks off, so a game down and plenty of work to do, starting with a match against Hanwell Town's first team next Tuesday night.
"Last time we played them we had a great turn out, and because it's so local we hope a lot of Rangers fans will get along to support the boys."
Team: Heselton, Hall (Kanyuka), Murphy, Mulholland, Fletcher, Johnson, Bailey, Donnelly, Barnett (Baidoo), Townsend, Farr (Judge)
Scorer: Townsend
Gallen's Under 18 side travel to Hanwell Town to take on their first team on Tuesday 20th July, kick off at 7pm.