RANGERS CRASH IN EIGHT GOAL THRILLER
Monday 6th October 2008
by Ron Norris

Three goals were not enough to secure victory for Rangers' under 18's on Saturday morning as they fell to a 5-3 home defeat against Southend United in their final Youth Association Cup group match.

Steve Brown made three changes to the side that was beaten at Wycombe last weekend. Christian Nanetti returned to the starting line up after injury at the expense of Danny Fernandez whilst Daniel Bailey and Aaron Waters came into the back four to replace Ed Harris and Femy Ilesanmi who are earmarked for the reserves tomorrow.

The visitors got off to the perfect start when they took a fourth minute lead through Craig Calver but Anthony-Michael Perring levelled things up for The R's just over a minute later when his free kick from just outside the box fooled the Shrimpers 'keeper.

Calver restored Southend's advantage shortly before the half hour mark and then Fredrik Ljungström gave them a 3-1 lead mere minutes later. However just before the break a Rangers cross was turned into the Southend net by defender Jack Morris to leave the score delicately poised going into the second period.

United restored their two goal lead five minutes after the restart when Calver completed his hatrick but Rangers once again cut the deficit back in a matter of minutes through Antonio German.

Unfortunately a dramatic comeback was not on the card, Calver bagged his fourth of the afternoon five minutes from time to secure the victory for Southend and send them into the knock out stage of the competition with a game to spare. Despite the defeat though, Rangers are secure in third place of Group Five meaning we too will compete in the next stage.

Much like the first team the young Super Hoops can now enjoy a two week break from action before getting back to league action on October 18th when we welcome Northampton Town to Harlington.