Rangers’ under 17’s demolished Gillingham on Saturday to continue their impressive unbeaten start to the season. The youngsters ran out 9-2 winners in a remarkable encounter which saw striker Lee Barnett grab four goals.
Centre of Excellence coaches always stress the importance of the performance in youth matches and are always quick to point out the scoreline is far less important than the development and education of the young players, but coach Joe Gallen could not hide his delight at the all-round performance.
"The lads were absolutely fantastic. They were on top form from start to finish, creating chances and finishing them.
"We were 6-0up at half time and to be honest, I was almost speechless- I couldn’t fault them. They all performed really well, with six or seven of them at the very top of their game. But Lee Barnett deserves special mention for scoring four wonderful goals.
"We had four under 15s making their debut and they all played very well. The whole thing just clicked and our energy was fantastic.
"It won’t be like this every week, but I now want the team to remember this game, remember the standard they have set for themselves and to be consistent.
"We have a strong group of players who I think have underperformed a little until now. BUT ON Saturday everything went to plan and I am delighted with all of them."
Rangers: Heselton, Sethi, Blanchett, Judge (O’Rourke), Bonner, Lewis, Sylvester (Cullen), Mulholland, Barnett (O’Connell), Townsend, Farr