Burnie United, Somerset and Devonport Strikers are keen for the reserves competition (Northern Championship 1) to go ahead despite concerns being raised following the Northern Rangers' withdrawal earlier this week.

RELATED: Northern Rangers pull out of reserves

Launceston United up for new challenge

Rangers' title defence a race against time

Burnie United president Russell Philpott said the Rangers' decision did not come as a surprise, but it didn't impact his view that a reduced reserves season was critical for the strength of the game in the region.

"We were made aware of the Northern Rangers' position by their president in a president Zoom meeting about three or four weeks ago," he said

"I believe it will be better to hold the reserves competition with byes than not hold it at all because we don't want to leave players not catered for.

"I don't personally know where other clubs stand when it comes player numbers to the North Championship 1 competition."

Somerset president David Pease was supportive of Philpott's stance, with his club not wanting to turn anyone away.

"We still need a competition where it can be more social because those players are the backbone of your club and are there to help out around your senior team," he said.

"To lose those players completely, even for a short season, could have a lasting impact going forward."

Philpott said Burnie United would be slightly down on numbers for their reserves side, but were going to go ahead anyway.

"We are in a marginal position for our reserves, but the group of reserves players we do have are guys we want to give every chance to play this year," he said.

"We will supplement the team with under 18 players like we do most years, but there may be a game or two where numbers may not add up and we may need to forfeit.

"But forfeiting once or twice will be better than not giving the lads the option.

"We may even have some guys around the age of 60 who want to have a kick and really want to help the club out."

At the Devonport Strikers, Northern Championship coach Darren Purton said the numbers were looking really strong and he had no concerns over not being able to field a reserves side.