The Reserves were looking to finish the year on a high following their good form over the last month, coming up against Devonport who could potentially win the title with the win.  Rangers were even more intent of stopping this from happening.

The Northern Rangers Reserves went to Somerset expecting a reasonably easy game against the bottom side in the league by some distance, and that’s pretty much what they got.

The Reserves had set themselves a goal to finish the year on a high after what has been largely a disappointment in terms of results. 

The Reserves were looking for a strong first half against Ulverstone to try and form a platform on which to finish their disappointing season on a high.  It may sound like a bias statement, but the Reserves have genuinely been good enough to beat most of their opposition this year, but a lack of goals from more contributors and defensive errors have cost them dearly this season.

The Reserves bounced back sensationally from a bad run of games, and returned to the winners list with a 4-1 win over Riverside.

The Reserves struggled against Launceston, and eventually lost after a great start, just 3 minutes in and a long drive from Gabriel Tams had Ian Calcraft in goals in all sorts, his shot getting through Calcraft’s hands and into the net.  Launceston hit back quickly when a free kick found its way to the box without a Ranger defender insight, and the goal was dispatched from close range.

Tams had a second shortly after, again a great strike, but Launceston reversed the pressure with a penalty after John Fisher tackled from behind in the box and conceded the free kick.  The goal sent in easily, then a third from a free kick to Launceston and they were well on top at half time.

The second half brought little joy for Rangers, conceding the next two in the game, including another penalty, before Tams got his hat trick in his return to the Reserves direct from a free kick, but it was too little too late as Launceston nailed the game with a late goal, winning 6-3.  Not a great day for the Reserves, and they didn’t protect reserve debutant goal keeper Mike Litianen, leaving him well exposed during the game.  Missing so many players has created great opportunities for players on the fringe, but sadly the opportunities are not being seized.

The Reserves went to Devonport with a chance to either put their season back on track, or let it go into other clubs hands.

The Reserves were keen to start winning some games after some disappointing draws of late.  A strong line up took to the field, but lost captain Ben deRuiter to an ongoing ankle injury, Joey Summers tried to pass a fitness test at the last minute, but could barely get up to a jog, let alone a sprint.  To make matters worse, just ten minutes into the game, Rohan Pooley left the ground with yet another hamstring injury.

However, the results went more to plan for the side.  Just minutes into the game and a cut back from Chad Honey set up Patty Lanu-Atkinson to make it 1-0.

Chad Honey made up for some missed chances early in the game by getting Rangers 2 up after some persistence in the box, and scored again before half time.

Peter Mcbeath scored from a penalty in the second half, and I challenge someone to tell us when Mcbeath last missed from the spot.  Marcus Vanderharst scored his second goal for the club, and Gareth Otley also contributed a good goal, to flag himself ready to further step up if required.

A 6-0 win a great way for the Reserves to bounce back and push for a big second half of the year coming.

The Reserves could have put their season back on track with a win over Ulverstone, but could only manage a draw.

The reserves put on a clinic for the Riverside host’s returning to the form that won them the 2007 premiership.  The lads have a long way to go before they can start even contemplating that feat, but it was a great step in the right direction, considering they had put two solid results back to back.