Northern Rangers effectively lost any chance of advancing to the semi finals of this year’s Hudson Cup with a 4-2 loss at the hands of Riverside Olympic, but the news is far from bad.

Whitemore has always stated that the intention is not to win the Hudson cup, but rather prepare to peak at its conclusion in time for the start of the season proper.  This year’s focus is particularly on getting players used to the new system of play, and in both games so far there is strong evidence that this is starting to happen.

This week saw a very much different line up take to the pitch with Marshall Pooley, Todd Hingston, Sam Luck, Derek Schipper, Chris Hunt and Mark Ambrose all unavailable, this gave way for new signings Adam Beard and Ruben Gee to line up and show Adam Whitemore their skills.

Riverside were by all reports as close to full strength as the will get.

The opening 10 minutes belonged to Riverside as they came out all guns blazing, scoring twice through some good build up play.  A fine shot by Sam Hughes and a well placed header from Will Guy giving Riverside the lead.

Nicholson got Rangers back in the match with a well taken chance low across the keeper, and many more chances followed.

The quick ball movement was on display in the final 30 minutes of the half, and Rangers looked quite strong across the park.  Whitemore and Ludby well pleased with the efforts of Scott Murray and Patty Lanu-Atkinson in midfield and the strikers in Nicholson, Jago.

Riverside however again restored the 2 goal buffer when a brilliant long range shot flew in the top corner from the boot of Ethan Olner.

Nicholson scored again for Rangers after Jago was taken out by the keeper and a penalty was awarded, but Riverside had the advantage on the score board in the end, ending up 4-2 winners thanks to a late goal from Olner again.

Whitemore far from disappointed with the efforts and some great positives are coming out of the valuable practice matches, though Whitemore and Ludby were not happy to have lost, the bigger picture is player development at the moment, and that box is being ticked.

Northern Rangers 2 – Riverside Olympic 4.