At home, City found the back of the Rangers net within the first 5 minutes and again with the last kick of the ball but it was Rangers who dominated the game throughout the remaining 80 minutes.

With NRFC not having the use of the NTCA this game was played at Birch Ave on the number 2 ground which is small and after the rains that fell this week was in very good condition and perfect weather conditions.

Northern Rangers Under 18s got off to a winning start despite finding themselves 2-0 down early in the second half.  Rangers were not able to score until the 75^th minute when John Wani placed a superb through ball to Sinash to get Rangers on the score sheet.

The Under 18’s went north west without traditional coaching due of John Crooks and Gareth Otley who were both unable to make the trip.  Phil vanDonselaar took control and had the boys firing early with goals to Kiren vanDonselaar and Josh Burk early in the game.

The Under 18’s had more players than they could use for this clash, but Tenzing Anderson was required to start in the Reserves, so it all worked out in the end.

Both teams created good chances, but some fine keeping at both ends ensured few goals would be scored.

Rangers keeper Alex Bligh made a terrific diving save (pictured) from a well struck free kick while the Ulverstone keeper made one of the best double save you will ever see in this competition after Kiren vanDonselaar volleyed a belting shot, Lian Thang was nearby to pounce on the parry but the keeper was ready to make the save.

All in all a close game resulted in a 1 all draw.

The Under 18’s battled hard against Burnie United who are top of the league at present, with several key players missing, the Under 18’s had a great chance to debut German youth imports Joshua Kühnel and Loris Hoffmann.  Both performed well in their first senior group outing, after helping the Under 16’s to victory the night before.

The under 18’s kicked off at 2:30 this week, needing a win to stay in the hunt for the under 18 title, Riverside top of the table have had some good results and needed to keep winning also, the game was always going to be close.

Riverside were attacking well in the first half, and the Ranger back line, didn’t look its normal collected self.

Riverside could have had the lead on several occasions, but were denied by some good keeping by Alex Bligh who made one particular diving save that was first class.

Riverside however hit the lead first, but Rangers hit back with a long range effort from Tenzing Anderson to level the scores.

Riverside however got themselves in front when it mattered most with a late winner, Rangers going down 2-1 at home.

The Under 18’s had another big top of the table clash, this week against Launceston in a congested and tight premiership race.  After 2 weeks off, it was going to be interesting to see how the boys reacted to the break.  John Crooks and Gareth Otley had worked the boys hard during the break, and a great show last Saturday for a training game in the pouring rain may have been just what was needed.

The Under 18’s found themselves on the top of the table going into the game against Prospect Knights and needed to keep winning to hang on to top spot.