BRIGHTON EDGE PAST R'S
Wednesday 20th February 2008
by Ron Norris

Rangers’ reserve side are still searching for their first win of 2008 after being beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton on Wednesday evening in a match that saw Jake Cole and Chris Barker return to action.

As has become standard now the fixture was used to give some talented youngsters from the under 18's a chance to shine at a higher level with most of the starting line up having featured in Tuesday's Youth Alliance Cup victory over Peterborough.

Cole was in goal having overcome his thumb injury whilst Barker played for the first time since his second hernia operation of the season just over a month ago. He actually played centre back in this one with the remainder of the back four being Aaron Goode, Josh Ford and Lee Brown.

In midfield manager Steve Brown selected Chris Arthur, Danny Davenport, Matt O'Brien and Andrew Howell whilst Antonio German was paired with Tuesday's hatrick hero, Aaron Morgan-Cummings up front.

The game was settled in the early stages though, after denying former Aldershot striker Johnny Dixon from close range on the ten minute mark, Cole was beaten five minutes later by Sam Rents after being left stranded by his defence.

Despite rallying in the second period the young side couldn't find a way back into the game and had to accept the narrow defeat.

The reserves return to action in two weeks time when they travel to league leaders Southampton on Wednesday 5th March that one kicks off at 7pm.

QPR: Cole, Goode (Coyne), Ford, Barker (Slyvan-Vanterpool), Brown, Arthur, Davenport, O'Brien (Smith), Howell, German, Morgan-Cummings Subs not used: Crowther, Harris.