THE results will speak for themselves. The outcome of every 90 minutes is important, but it won’t be the be all and end all in the coming months.

This 2-1 defeat to Brighton will be analysed and assessed, but it will form just a small part of the bigger picture for the Rangers Under-20 side this season.

The Light Blues Development Squad have drawn with Southampton and Feyenoord in recent weeks as they have got their new games programme off to an encouraging start.

It is a schedule designed to test those in Graeme Murty’s side as much as possible as often as possible. It is a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained.

There will be tougher examinations than the Seagulls to come – the likes of Tottenham, AZ Alkmaar and Benfica will all provide opposition this term - but there was plenty to be pleased about for Murty and Craig Mulholland, the Head of Academy, and Director of Football Mark Allen here.

The Gers kids more than held their own in an entertaining affair. It may be a long way from the levels they aspire to reach, but every step, forward or back, is an important one in their learning process.

There is an emphasis, as there must be at Rangers, on winning each match, but the outings are more about development physically and mentally, technically and tactically. In that regard, it was job done at Ibrox.

Murty was denied the services of an entire back four as Jordan Houston, Aidan Wilson and Myles Beerman missed out through injury, while Ross McCrorie is on first team duty as Pedro Caixinha’s side prepare for the trip to Partick Thistle on Friday night.

The inexperience and physical disadvantage showed at times but Michael Hewitt, Daniel Finlayson, Lewis Mayo and Scott Gray stuck to their task against a pacey Albion attack. The visitors created a couple of chances in the first half and took the lead when midfielder Max Sanders picked his spot from 12 yards.

From middle to front, Rangers were more competitive and were often on top. It was only the endeavours of keeper Tom McGill that ensured the scores were level at the break.

Jamie Barjonas was accomplished in the middle of the park and equalised with a neat finish from inside the area. The 18-year-old also came close with a low drive from the edge of the area and a curling free-kick.

Barjonas was the stand-out performer for the Gers but there were positive showings across the park, particularly on the right as Serge Atakayi showed flashes of his skill and pace.

At the head of the attack, Ryan Hardie fluffed his lines with a volley at the back post, but he got a couple of efforts on target as he looked to catch the eye before Friday’s Premiership clash with the Jags.

That attacking intent continued after the break from Rangers as full-back Gray came close with a free-kick and Atakayi stung McGill’s palms after he cut in from the wing.

It was a tighter affair as Brighton started to cause problems of their own, and boss Murty introduced Stephen Kelly and Matthew Shiels in a bid to give his side a fresh spark.

With ten minutes left, the visitors spurned a glorious chance as Sanders split the Gers defence and found Reece Meekums. He did well to round Aidan McAdams, but the angle was too tight as his shot struck the near post.

It was soon the end of the night for Barjonas as the captain was replaced by Grant Nelson with eight minutes remaining. He was given a deserved round of applause by those that had come out to see the Light Blues kids in action.

With just seconds to spare, Brighton snatched the win as Ryan Longman, who had been a threat throughout, beat McAdams from close range.

There was no reason to celebrate for Rangers. There were plenty to be positive, though.