Rangers' reserves crashed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at Chestnut Avenue this evening. Rangers handed trials to three players and there was another ninety minute run out for Curo. The starting eleven featured a mystery keeper, centre half and striker as well as Cureton, Sabin, Ifura and Fletcher, to name those with squad numbers. The rest of the team was made up of the successful U17's side, including Giles Coke, Jack Perry and Stefan Bailey.

Rangers started poorly going behind after only fifteen minutes. A free header from a corner flew past the keeper giving him no chance at all. Some of the marking from crosses was shocking at times and countless headers went uncontested. The fact that the trial centre half thought he was Franz Beckenbauer didn't help matters. The amount of time he thought he could take on the ball was incredible and he was taking liberties that would have been out of place on a Sunday morning. I am assuming that we won't see him again.

The second half started badly with Rangers shipping two more goals in double quick time. The first, almost from kick off was another uncontested header at the far post and the second came from a poorly contested header in the box which fell at the feet of Tommy Black. He gave the keeper no chance with a fine curling effort wide of the keeper.

Rangers' reply was a beauty and came from the left foot of wunderkind Scott Donnelly. Having replaced Giles Coke at the break he found himself with the ball at his feet but with several defenders in his path. He weaved his way past three challenges before firing a left footed shot past the dive of Palace keeper Lance Cronin. It was a great goal from the England U17's international. Keep an eye on this boy; he is going to be a hell of a player.

Rangers conceded another goal as the game drew to a close and surprisingly enough it was as a result of poor marking in the box. A corner was delivered and the marking went to pot again. The keeper couldn't prevent the ball ricocheting around the box and finally being stabbed home from close range.

Despite the score there were a number of encouraging factors. In midfield Stefan Bailey gave a good account of himself. He has the look of a slightly weightier Marcus Bean about him although he seems more of a footballer than a destroyer. Eric Sabin gave a good account of himself, including one barnstorming eighty yard run from box to box with the ball at his feet. If he showed a bit more effort like this in the first team then the Rangers fans may take him to their hearts.

Jamie Cureton got another ninety minutes of action in although he was quiet in his left wing role. I couldn't work out whether he was playing there to give him time in that position or whether it was to keep him away from the hustle and bustle in the middle of the park.

The main talking point though has to be the display put on by Donnelly when he entered the fray. His goal was superb and the lad is certainly brimming with confidence. He thinks nothing of trying to mug people off and is not afraid to shoot from distance off either foot. He should make a breakthrough of some sorts next season. Hopefully.