Rangers’ reserves side, under the stewardship of Joe Gallen and the watchful eye of the new gaffer, played out a drab 0-0 draw with Woking at a windy Kingfield Stadium this evening. Chances were few and far between for both teams as a shocking pitch got the better of them all too often.

An experienced Rangers side took to the field and included eight players that have featured for the first team this season. Thomas was in goal behind Ukah, Munday, Evatt and Milanese. Bailey, Bircham, Doherty and Donnelly were in midfield behind Baidoo and Youssouf. Luke Townsend lined up for Woking as part of his work experience loan from the R’s.

This is the part of the report where one would normally talk about the chances that both teams had, but we have a problem! Chances were hardly plentiful and in the full ninety minutes I can’t remember either keeper having a save of note to make. A lack of understanding and the awful pitch were halting attacks from both teams in their stride.

Another contributing factor were some fine defensive displays on both sides. Evatt, Munday and Milanese were excellent for Rangers whilst big Jimmy Aggrey dealt with Baidoo and Youssouf with the minimum of fuss.

This was a game that was more about getting some fitness for certain players. Bircham looked well off the pace, as did Doherty. The Doc was his usual “enthusiastic” self in the tackle and in the final moments of the game he got into a ruck with a Woking player after a minor dust up with Youssouf.

Defences were definitely on top and I am not sure that Waddock will have seen much in this game to warrant any of the players involved featuring on Saturday. Evatt and Milanese have a chance as they were the two outstanding protagonists but the others really failed to take their chance.