Northern Rangers kicked their first balls for 2012, going up against Launceston City in the Mies Family Cup, a competition that gives the clubs a chance to see where they are at in the early stages of preseason with 50 minute matches.

City had Rangers under early pressure, but the young side was showing that they understood the systems that Marshall Pooley, Gabriel Tams and Todd Hingston are teaching.

New recruit, Agele Luate got off the best possible start as a Ranger, scoring with his first touch when a fine ball came in from midfield and he dispatched the shot, under pressure from two defenders and a keeper in front of him.

City then scored twice in the first half, a goal mouth scramble and a penalty after Declan Cuschieri was adjudged to have fouled his City opponent.  City eventually won 2-1.

Encouraging signs from Yitay Towns who looked comfortable in midfield despite his bigger opponents putting physical pressure on him.

Josh Burk also impressed with Tenzing Anderson playing  well, showing the younger generation of players are more than capable of taking up the challenge in 2012.

Rangers now play Ulverstone at 11:30am on Saturday Morning.