Already assured of their second League title in two seasons, Steve Brown took the opportunity to field a younger, less experienced side against Brighton & Hove Albion at Harlington on Saturday morning - and was rewarded with a performance that left him full of praise for his young charges.

Romone Rose and Danny Maguire were absent, both out on work experience at AFC Wimbledon, where the pair featured in the starting XI in the Dons' Ryman League Premier Division play-off match against Hornchurch.

At the back, Josh Ford was replaced by 16 year-old debutant Daniel Bailey and another schoolboy, Danny Fernandez took over from Antonio German, who was rested.

Despite some early pressure from the visitors, it was Rangers who took the lead on 17 minutes. James Folkes cleverly beat his marker out wide and his inch-perfect cross was headed back across goal and inside the far post by Fernandez.

Billy Coyne nearly doubled the R's lead on 35 minutes, but his powerful drive just dipped over the bar with the Seagulls keeper beaten all ends up.

A narrow half-time lead was just about deserved and the encounter was every bit as evenly contested in the second half.

With neither side managing to convert any of the rare chances that came their way, the visitors almost snatched a late equaliser in injury time, when the ball flew across the R's six-yard box but fortunately no-one was on hand to benefit from the chance.

Brown praised the efforts his young side put in afterwards and also complimented some of the older players on their commitment.

"Some of the lads out there have already been told that they will not be retained for next season and it can be hard to be motivated when you are in that situation.

"However, the effort and work-rate they put in for the team was outstanding and they were a great example to some of the younger boys out there."

Brown added: "This was a nice way to finish the season off and I've had the opportunity to have a look at a couple of lads who will figure next season as well.

"We've still got one Reserve match left so some of these players have not quite finished their season, but I'm proud of them all and they deserve the title for the consistency they've shown all year."