15’s Held By Linfield

Rangers 1 Linfield 1

Rangers Under 15’s were held by their Linfield counterparts at Murray Park this afternoon, it was a pretty even game and a draw was a fair result.

Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the early stages and there was fully twenty-five minutes on the clock when Ciaran Dickson and Owen McGinty exchanged passes to release the former inside the right side of the box but he screwed his shot wide of the near post. The visitors replied when a long ball allowed Lee Rea to race into the right side of the box but he shot across Lewis Budinauckas and wide of the far post.

Rangers took the lead five minutes before the break, Owen McGinty’s pass inside the right back allowed Darren Waterstone to attack the left side of the penalty area, his cross came off the inside of the far post and Tom Henderson pounced to fire the ball into the net. Linfield then had a sustained bit of pressure in the dying minutes that eventually led to an equaliser. A cross from the left found Chris McKee unmarked at the back post with Lewis Budinauckas standing up to make the block.

An other deep cross this time from the right delivered by Jesse Carson found the head of Ross Weatherup with Lewis Budinauckas managing to divert the ball on to his right hand post before gathering. Their pressure was to tell just before the half time whistle, the ball was moved in from the left and Ross Weatherup beat Lewis Budinauckas low to his right.

Half-Time:- Rangers 1 Linfield 1

Rangers came close to taking the lead in the opening minute of the second half, Owen McGinty attacked the right side of the box and when the ball broke to Matty Yates on the right hand angle his shot crashed off the underside of the bar before being cleared. Matty Yates was involved in Rangers next chance five minutes later, his pass into the box saw Ciaran Dickson turn superbly but was denied when David Walsh dived to his left to push his shot away.

Just after the hour Ciaran Dickson got a flick on with his foot from Matty Yates corner from the right with Tomas Gilmour clearing from the line at the back post. From another right hand corner from Matty Yates, Aaron Bryson was unmarked right in front of goal but headed straight at David Walsh.

As the final quarter-hour approached Linfield had a great chance to take the lead, Peter McKiernan won the ball inside the right side of the penalty area and passed it across the box to Ross Weatherup who was thwarted by a fine save from Jay Hogarth. With two minutes remaining Aaron Bryson passed to Owen McGinty and his shot from the edge of the box forced a save, diving to his left, from David Walsh.

Full-Time:- Rangers 1 Linfield 1

Rangers Squad:- Lewis Budinauckas (Gk), Jay Hogarth (Gk), Ryan Muir, Andy Rodden, Ciaran Dickson, Kyle McClelland, Harris O’Connor, Simon Millar, Callum Biggar, Owen McGinty, Tom Henderson, Darren Waterstone, Kai Kennedy, Aaron Bryson, Matty Yates, Mark Woods, Trialist (18).

Linfield Squad:- David Walsh (Gk), Jesse Carson, Peter McKiernan, Trai Hume, Tomas Gilmour, Carl Johnston, Sam Morrow, Ben Wylie, Chris McKee, Mark Green, Ewan Kelly, Jay Sheridan, Cai Gemmell, Lee Rea, Darren Hyland, Ross Weatherup.

13’s Hit Hearts For Seven

Rangers 7 Hearts 1

With most games cancelled,  this morning’s under 13’s game was the only youth game left for me to attend. With these games taking place in the middle of the school holidays it is understandable that some players will be unavailable, a consequence of this was Rangers providing the goalkeepers for both sides. Each of the Rangers keepers played a half for Hearts as well as a half for Rangers.

The visitors took the lead on five minutes, the attack started on the left and when it was passed inside two players met in a full-blooded challenge and the ball flew past Gregor McLeod and into the net. It came close to being two three minutes later, this time the attack came down the right, Gregor McLeod saved at the near post with the rebound being fired over.

Rangers drew level just after the twenty-minute mark, Tyler Pasnik passed the ball forward to Gavin Gallagher who moved it on to Jack Scanlan and his shot flew into Jack McConnell’s top left hand corner. Rangers then came close twice before the end of the period, first up Jack McConnell did well to keep out Leyton Dunlop’s effort with Gavin Gallagher firing the rebound across the face of goal. Gavin Gallagher then broke through the middle and ghosted past a defender but his shot was straight at Jack McConnell who save comfortably.

Rangers edged ahead six minutes into the second period, Mackenzie Strachan, Gavin Gallagher and Jack Scanlan were all involved in a passing move the ended with Dire Mebude being played through on the left side of the penalty area and shot past Jack McConnell. Hearts replied when a pass sent their striker through the inside left channel, he continued into the box and forced a fine save from Gregor McLeod low to his left.

As the midpoint of the period approached Harley Ewan played the ball forward to Mackenzie Strachan who played in Leyton Dunlop on the right side of the box with Jack McConnel making the save. Rangers then hit Hearts with three goals in barely five minutes. Mackenzie Strachan sent Dire Mebude through on the left side of the penalty area and he side-stepped a defender before shooting past Jack McConnell.

With the goalkeeper’s now swapped around Leyton Dunlop was the creator of the next goal breaking down the right before passing inside to Jack Scanlan who shot into Gregor McLeod’s top right hand corner. A short corner on the left was the root of Rangers fifth, it was worked by Jack Scanlan and Leyton Dunlop who’s cross to the back post was headed into the net by Alex King.

It took Rangers almost ten minutes of the third period to add to their tally, Dire Mebude breaking into the left side of the penalty area and rounding the keeper before rolling the ball into the net. Within a couple of minutes a sustained Rangers attack had Hearts struggling to clear and when the ball broke to Leyton Dunlop his shot looked net bound until Gregor McLeod dived high to his left to make a fine save.

After the final period turn round Alex King played in Dire Mebude but on this occasion Gregor McLeod was quick from his line to make the block. The scoring was completed when Dire Mebude collected a slack defensive pass and moved the ball on to Mackenzie Strachan who passed to Alex King and he shot into the net.

Full-Time:- Rangers 7 Hearts 1

Rangers Squad:- Gregor McLeod (Gk), Jack McConnell (Gk), Kelsey Ewan, Sam Lovie, Darren McInally, Harley Ewan, Alex King, Leyton Dunlop, Mackenzie Strachan, Jack Scanlan, Gavin Gallagher, Tyler Pasnik, Dire Mebude, Adam Forrester, Euan Ross.

20’s Edged Out By Blades

Rangers 1 Sheffield United 2

Goalmouth incidents were at a premium when Rangers 20’s took on Sheffield United 21’s at Murray Park yesterday afternoon, ultimately it came down to a tale of two penalties. The Rangers squad included three trialists as well as overage players Ryan, Sinnamon, Andy Murdoch and Robbie Crawford.

The visitors missed a great chance on five minutes, a free-kick from the left broke to an unmarked attacker on the edge of the six yard box at the back post with his effort clipping the bar on the way over. It was fully twenty minutes later when another Blades attack created an opportunity, a cross from the left was deflected up in the air and a spectacular diving header flashed wide of Robbie McCrorie’s right hand post.

On the stroke of half-time two of Rangers trialists combined to create Rangers best opportunity of the half. Amin Abaradan worked his way along the left hand byline and from his cutback the keeper saved bravely at the feet of Trialist (9).

Half-Time:- Rangers 0 Sheffield United 0

The second half started with a bang with both side scoring within the first six minutes. The breakthrough came from the visitors with an attack into the left side of the penalty area, Aidan Wilson blocked the initial shot but the rebound was fired past Robbie McCrorie. Rangers replied within two minutes, Amin Abaradan cut inside a defender wide on the right and his cross come shot looped high over the keeper and into the net.

Sheffield United regained the lead on the hour mark from the penalty spot. The attack developed on the right and when the attacker cut into the penalty area he was bundled over by Ryan Sinnamon, with the penalty sent to Robbie McCrorie’s right as he dived left. Just over five minutes later it was Rangers chance to convert from the spot, from a long ball into the right side of the penalty area Amin Abaradan got there before the keeper who took him out, Jamie Barjonas stepped up but his shot was too straight and the keeper saved comfortably.

Rangers had another chance to draw level as the game entered the final quarter-hour, Jordan Gibson got to the byline on the right and from his cutback Ross McCrorie fired narrowly over. The link below has footage of the goals, unfortunately nothing on the Rangers penalty.

Full-Time:- Rangers 1 Sheffield United 2

Rangers:- Robbie McCrorie (Kieran Wright 76 mins); Ross McCrorie, Aidan Wilson, Kyle Bradley, Ryan Sinnamon (Lewis White 61 mins); Ursene Mouanda; Robbie Crawford (Max Ashmore 55 mins), Andy Murdoch (Jamie Barjonas 55mins); Amin Abaradan, Trialist (9) (Jordan Gibson 61 mins), Josh Jeffries (Ross Lyon HT).

17’s Visit Newcastle Academy

Newcastle United 0 Rangers 5

Rangers Under 17’s squad with two Under 18’s included traveled down to Newcastle United’s Academy and recorded a very comfortable victory against their English counterparts. The Newcastle side I believe were younger, how much younger I’m not sure but Rangers could and probably should have scored a few more goals. There has been a lot of talk about our youngsters needing to be challenged and being taken out their comfort zone to face different opposition. I can only look at tonight’s game as a missed opportunity. If I am being honest Partick Thistle gave the Under 17’s a stiffer challenge last week than the Newcastle team they faced tonight.

Rangers should have taken a second minute lead, Jordan Houston broke forward and passed to Stephen Kelly who’s pass sent Andy Dallas to the right hand byline, his cross found Sam Jamieson unmarked at the back post and a couple of yards out but he knocked the ball wide of the post. The opening goal came within sixty seconds, another Stephen Kelly pass again sent Andy Dallas to the right hand byline, his ball into the box was cleared only as far as Mati Zata on the edge of the box and he shot past the keeper.

Rangers doubled their lead from the penalty spot two minutes later, Mati Zata was brought down inside the left side of the penalty area and Sam Jamieson stepped up to score from the spot.There was barely eight minutes on the clock when Rangers scored a third, Stephen Kelly and Sam Jamieson combined to play Matthew Shiels through on the left side of the penalty area, his shot beat the keeper but came off the inside of the far post. Andy Dallas picked up the loose ball and laid it back to Sam Jamieson inside the right hand angle of the box from where he beat the keeper.

The home side created their first chance on thirteen minutes, the attack was built on the right and when the ball was passed inside it took a good Brian Kinnear save low to his left to keep the ball out. Rangers immediately responded when a long ball sent Andy Dallas down the right, he picked out Sam Jamieson who was denied by a great defensive challenge that deflected the ball over.

On thirty-three minutes Cammy Palmer won possession and played through Andy Dallas who was denied when the keeper stopped his shot with an outstretched leg. Within a minute Stephen Kelly passed to Sam Jamieson wide on the left and his shot from outside the box forced the keeper to dive to his left to save.

On the stroke of half-time Rangers scored a fourth, Cammy Palmer broke forward and passed to Matthew Shiels, his pass across the penalty area picked out Stephen Kelly inside the right side of the box and he gave the keeper no chance with a fine strike.

Half-Time:- Newcastle United 0 Rangers 4

Rangers made two changes at the break where as Newcastle made eleven, with Rangers continuing to dominate without creating as many chances. On sixty-five minutes a good move involving Stephen Kelly, Matthew Shiels and Carlo Pignatiello set up a twenty-five yard shooting chance for Sam Jamieson that was only just wide of the keeper’s right hand post. The game had entered the final quarter of an hour when the scoring was complete, Cammy Palmer passed inside from the left and Mati Zata laid the ball off for Dapo Mebude to beat the keeper from the edge of the box.

The home side had a chance to get on the score sheet with a couple of minutes remaining, when the ball came in from the left it broke to an attacker around the penalty spot but he shot straight at Lewis Muir.

Full-Time:- Newcastle United 0 Rangers 5

Rangers:- Brian Kinnear (Lewis Muir HT); Jordan Houston (Michael Hewitt 60 mins), Jay Mack, Danny Finlayson, Scott Gray (Carlo Pignatiello HT); Cammy Palmer; Stephen Kelly, Mati Zata; Andy Dallas, Sam Jamieson (Dapo Mebude 72 mins), Matthew Shiels.

16’s Beat Sunderland

Rangers 4 Sunderland 3

Rangers Under 16’s hosted EPL Academy side Sunderland at Murray Park this afternoon. It was the reverse of a fixture that these sides played at the end of last season which the Rangers youngsters won 3-1. It was another deserved victory today in what was an entertaining encounter.

The first opportunity came on ten minutes when Billy Gilmour and Zac Butterworth worked a short corner on the right, when the ball was played into the penalty area the Sunderland keeper had to look lively to save at the feet of Lewis McGrattan. Just after the quarter-hour mark the English side had a great chance to take the lead, the move was built up on the left side of the box and when the ball was passed inside it took a superb save from Nicky Hogarth low to his left to keep out the shot.

Rangers took the lead a couple of minutes later, there seemed little danger when Niyah Joseph picked up the ball midway inside the Sunderland half, he took a couple of steps forward before unleashing a strike from fully thirty yards into the keeper’s top left hand corner. The visitors tried to respond immediately with some good attacking play on the left with the attempted cross deflecting into the arms of Nicky Hogarth.

Rangers were unfortunate not to double their lead just after the half-hour, Jamie Walker’s cross from the left found its way to Dapo Mebude at the back post, his net bound shot was cleared from the line and Aiden Gibb couldn’t connect properly with the rebound allowing the keeper to block with his legs. Sunderland capitalised on the let off by going straight up the other end and drawing level. A long ball allowed them to break towards the byline on the left and when the ball was played across goal it set up a simple finish at the back post.

Rangers regained the lead four minutes before the break with another superb goal, Dapo Mebude went past a defender on the left, rode another challenge inside the penalty area before shooting across the keeper and into the far corner. The Ibrox youngsters couldn’t quite hold on to their lead with Sunderland equalising immediately. A fine pass inside Nathan Patterson allowed them to get to the left hand byline and again the ball across goal ended with a simple finish.

Half-Time:- Rangers 2 Sunderland 2

Rangers lead was again restored a couple of minutes before the hour. A challenge in midfield saw the ball break towards the Sunderland box, Dapo Mebude was alert and pounced to lob the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net. A fourth goal followed on the hour, Josh McPake sent Dapo Mebude down the left, he left a defender in his wake as he bore into the penalty area, the keeper parried his effort on goal but only into the path of Ross Young who fired the loose ball into the net.

Sunderland responded with an attack into the right side of Rangers penalty area that forced a save from Nicky Hogarth at his near post. Within a minute another attack came, this time on the left and the shot beat Nicky Hogarth but rebounded from the crossbar.

Sunderland reduced the deficit in their next attack, from a free-kick wide on the right hand touchline the ball broke to an attacker inside the left side of the box and he shot across Nicky Hogarth and into the net. As the game entered the final ten minutes Sunderland’s attacking midfielder sent off on a solo run that took him deep into the right side of the penalty area which was only halted by a superb Harris O’Connor challenge.

The final serious effort on goal came when Ross Young broke forward and his shot from the edge of the box was just wide of the keeper’s right hand post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 4 Sunderland 3

Rangers Squad:- Nicky Hogarth (Gk), Brian Kinnear (Gk), Nathan Patterson, Jamie Walker, Lewis McGrattan, Harris O’Connor, Aiden Gibb, Zac Butterworth, Billy Gilmour, Dapo Mebude, Josh McPake, Niyah Joseph, Ben Williamson, Andy Rodden, Kieran McKechnie, Ross Young, Owen McGinty.

Youth Round Up

There were five youth games over the weekend with the U13’s, U14’s and U15’s taking on Airdrie and U16’s and U17’s playing hosts to County Down select sides. I was able to take in two of Sunday’s games, the U15’s in the morning and U17’s in the afternoon.

Rangers 9 Airdrie 3

Rangers squad included their three new recruits for the season ahead, as well as five Under 14 players against an Airdrie that included four U16’s. Rangers took the lead from the penalty spot on seven minutes, Reegan Aitken played in Kai Kennedy on the right side of the box where he was brought down and stepped up to convert the spot kick. The visitors replied less than five minutes later with attack on the right that took them deep into the Rangers penalty area with Lewis Budinauckas standing up to block the shot.

Just after the twenty-minute mark Kai Kennedy turned a defender on the edge of the box but was denied when the keeper dived to his left to make the save. The second goal was only delayed sixty seconds, Kai Kennedy’s pass freed Simon Millar inside the right side of the box, the keeper dived to his right to parry his shot but was helpless when Reegan Aitken knocked in the rebound.

Five minutes later Ciaran Dickson exchanged passes with Kai Kennedy before striding into the box and slotting in Rangers third. The same combination created and executed the fourth goal on the half-hour, Kai Kennedy teeing up Ciaran Dickson to beat the keeper from the edge of the box.

Rangers looked like scoring with every attack and number five soon followed, Kyle McClelland hit the byline on the right and from his cutback Reegan Aitken’s effort was blocked but Darren Waterstone was well placed to knock in the rebound. The sixth goal came from a twenty-five yard free kick just left of centre that Kai Kennedy fired into the keeper’s top left hand corner.

Credit to the young Airdrie side who finished the half with a flourish and pulled two goals back, the first came from an attack down the right and an unselfish centre to set up a simple finish. Within a couple of minutes the ball was passed inside from the left and the shot from distance flew high past Lewis Budinauckas.

Half-Time:- Rangers 6 Airdrie 2

Rangers first attack after the break was a fine move started by Matthew Henderson, the ball moved via Ciaran Dickson to Darren Waterstone who hit the byline, from his low ball to the back post a goal looked certain but Simon Millar shot over. Twenty minutes in Rangers scored again, a short corner was worked on the left and the ball moved from Kai Kennedy via Kyle McClelland to Rhys Caves who’s cross was headed back across the keeper in to the far corner by Harris O’Connor.

With twenty minutes remaining the ball was moved inside from the right to Kai Kennedy who’s superb twenty-five yard chip looked net bound until the keeper dived high to his right to claw the ball away. Rangers eighth goal came two minutes later a slack clearance from the keeper went straight to Darren Waterstone wide on the left and he immediately sent a superb half volley looping over the keeper and into the net.

With a quarter-hour left on the clock Ciaran Dickson sent Darren Waterstone towards the left hand byline, from his cross to the back post Rhys Caves saw he effort blocked but Aaron Lyall netted from close range. Like the first half the visitors finished with a flourish. A cross from the left to the back post was volleyed goalwards and it took a fine save from Lewis Budinauckas diving to his left to keep the ball out.

The Rangers keeper was then a bit slack with an attempted pass but recovered well to make another save as the attacker shot for goal. The final goal of the game came when an Airdrie forward latched on to a short Aiden Berry pass back before teeing up his team-mate to slot home Airdrie’s third.

Full-Time:- Rangers 9 Airdrie 3

Rangers Squad:- Lewis Budinauckas (Gk); Kyle McClelland, Matthew Henderson, Ciaran Dickson, Harris O’Connor, Murray Miller, Simon Millar, Kai Kennedy, Reegan Aitken, Tom Henderson, Darren Waterstone, Aiden Berry, Aaron Lyall, Rhys, Caves, Ryan Muir.

Over the weekend Rangers hosted the County Down squads scheduled to compete in this month’s SuperCupNI (formerly The Milk Cup). The under 16’s sides met yesterday and I believe Rangers came out on top 5-3. Today Rangers U17’s ( supplemented with three U18’s) met County Down’s U18’s, which was a game I was able to take in.

Rangers 1 County Down 1

Rangers created the first chance on five minutes, a short corner was worked on the left and from the cross Jordan Houston rose to head goalwards with keeper Matthew Davidson diving high to his left to make the save. Chances were at a premium but on twenty-six minutes Rangers had a great chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. Mati Zata worked his way along the right hand byline and was tripped by Brandon Nelson, Matthew Shiels stuck the ball powerfully but it crashed off the bar on the way over.

Just after the half-hour Stephen Kelly and Sam Jamieson combined to sent Mati Zata clear inside the box, he fired for goal with Matthew Davidson just getting enough of a touch to divert the ball wide of his right hand post. Eight minutes before the break Scott Gray passed to Stephen Kelly on the left hand angle of the box but his shot was only just too high.

A minute later Jordan Houston broke from right-back and the solo run took him past three defenders and into the box but his effort flashed just wide of the far post. The last chance of the half came when Stephen Kelly broke forward and fed Sam Jamieson inside the left side of the box but he shot over.

Half-Time:- Rangers 0 County Down 0

The game had almost reached the hour mark when the first chance of the second half came, the ball broke for Andy Dallas inside the right side of the penalty area with Matthew Anderson getting down to his left to save at the post. On sixty-five minutes the visitors called Brian Kinnear into action, Jack Henderson sent a free-kick from wide on the left into the penalty area, it was met by the head of Adam Garland which forced the Rangers keeper to tip over.

Rangers were soon back on the attack and a good passing move involving Andy Dallas, Stephen Kelly, Mati Zata and Carlo Pignatiello end with the latter’s shot forcing Matthew Anderson to dive to his right to save. With eighteen minutes remaining the visitors took the lead, Paul Savill broke forward from left back and passed to Timmy Browne who exchanged passes with Connell Young before curling a shot beyond Brian Kinnear from a tight angle.

Rangers got back on level term six minutes later, Jay Mack sent a ball over the top of the County Down defence and Dapo Mebude beat the advancing keeper with a superb lob. Rangers had one final chance to win the game four minutes from time, Jordan Houston’s low cross from the left was met by Mati Zata on the edge of the six yard box but the connection wasn’t clean and Paul Savill cleared from the line.

Full-Time:-Rangers 1 County Down 1

Rangers Squad:- Brian Kinnear (Gk), Jordan Houston, Scott Gray, Cammy Palmer, Jason Krones, Jay Mack, Trialist (7), Stephen Kelly, Sam Jamieson, Mati Zata, Matthew Shiels, Andy Dallas, Zac Butterworth, Carlo Pignatiello, Dapo Mebude.

County Down Squad:- Matthew Davidson (Gk), Matthew Anderson (Gk), Connell Young, Paul Savill, Adam Garland, Kyle Calderwood, Matthew Hall, Scott McArthur, Timmy Browne, Niall Cassidy, Chris Murray, Neil Dillon, Tom Mathieson, Josh Kelly, Jack Sharvin, Aaron Devlin, Brandon Nelson.

17’s Overcome Thistle

Rangers 5 Partick Thistle 2

Rangers Under 17’s eventually overcame Thistle’s resistance in tonight’s pre-season friendly at Murray Park. Promotion to 20’s squad, injuries and holidays deprived Rangers of up to six starters, so it was a young Rangers side that took the field.

Rangers took the lead on ten minutes, Trialist (7) combined with Stephen Kelly who’s pass sent Mathew Shiels through to continue into the box and shoot past the keeper. Seven minutes later a slack defensive pass lead to Thistle’s equaliser, picking the ball up on the left hand angle of the Rangers penalty area their forward shot across Brian Kinnear into the far corner.

Rangers replied within a couple of minutes, Stephen Kelly passed to Carlo Pignatiello who split the defence and sent Trialist (7) racing clear but he was denied by the keeper who made a fine save. Midway through the half Thistle attacked through the centre and forced Brian Kinnear to dive to his left to save.

Two minutes later the visitor’s attacked again, this time on the left and when the ball was passed inside Brian Kinnear appeared unsighted when the ball was fired goalwards but he got down low to his left to turn the ball wide. Rangers were soon back on the attack and Trialist (9) progressed down the left, from his cross Matthew Shiels header forced the keeper to dive to his left and push the ball wide.

The final attack of the half came from Thistle who broke through the middle of Rangers defence but their attacker dragged his shot wide of Brian Kinnear’s right hand post.

Half-Time:- Rangers 1 Partick Thistle 1

Rangers created the first chance nine minutes into the second half, Trialist (7) attacked on the right and passed inside to Dapo Mebude who laid the ball back to Matthew Shiels, his short was powerful but the keeper did well to block with his legs. Within a minute Rangers created an almost identical chance, again Trialist (7) attacked on the right, this time he passed to Cammy Palmer who laid the ball back to Mati Zata but  his shot was weak and the keeper save comfortably.

Thistle capitalised by taking the lead with their first attack of the half, breaking through the middle of Rangers defence and placing a shot beyond Brian Kinnear. Within three minutes Rangers got back on level terms via the penalty spot, Dapo Mebude was tripped as he broke into the right side of the box and Matthew Shiels stepped up to convert from the spot.

Midway through the half a Stephen Kelly pass sent Matthew Shiels through, he was taken out as he went past the keeper but incredibly the referee awarded a corner. Within in a couple of minutes Rangers went ahead, Stephen Kelly moved the ball to Dapo Mebude who’s pass inside the right back released Matthew Shiels who continued into the box and shot past the keeper.

With eight minutes remaining Ross Young collected a pass from Mati Zata and sent an unstoppable twenty-five yarder past the keeper. With four minutes remaining the scoring was complete, Rangers attacked on the right and Ross Young’s pass picked out Dapo Mebude who turned and shot past the keeper.

Full-Time:- Rangers 5 Partick Thistle 2

Rangers:- Brian Kinnear (Nicky Hogarth 70 mins); Michael Hewitt (Zac Butterworth 64 mins), Jay Mack (Jamie Walker 80 mins), Jordan Houston, Scott Gray; Cammy Palmer; Stephen Kelly, Carlo Pignatiello (Mati Zata HT); Trialist (7) (Ross Young 70 mins), Trialist (9) (Dapo Mebude HT), Matthew Shiels.

20’s Hit Tynecastle For Six

Rangers 6 Tynecastle FC 0

Rangers Under 20’s took on a Tynecastle side coached by Lee Wallace at Murray Park tonight and replicated last season’s scoreline by again hitting six without reply.

There was only four minutes on the clock when the Ibrox youngsters made the breakthrough, Ross Lyon took on the Tynecastle defence on the right side of the box before slipping a pass through to Ryan Hardie who shot past the keeper. Four minutes later Scott Roberts cut in from the left and passed inside to Max Ashmore, his shot from the edge of the box was fumbled by the keeper who was a bit fortunate to see the ball loop over the crossbar.

Within two minutes a Jordan Thompson pass had freed Ryan Hardie inside the box but on this occasion the keeper advanced from his line to block. A few minutes after the half-hour mark Rangers doubled their lead, Ryan Hardie picked the ball up midway inside the Tynecastle half and turned past a defender, he went past another defender before beating the keeper with a shot from the edge of the box.

As the half entered the final ten minutes the visitors ventured forward and a long-range shot had Robbie McCrorie stretching to tip over. 

Half-Time:- Rangers 2 Tynecastle FC 0

Rangers had an early chance four minutes into the second period, a long diagonal pass released the Trialist (14) inside the right side of the box with the keeper blocking the shot with his legs. Just before the hour mark Rangers increased their lead, Trialist (14) cutting in from the right past two defender before shooting across the keeper into the far corner.

The fourth goal came on seventy-three minutes, Zak Rudden’s pass sending Andy Dallas clear to continue into the box and prod the ball past the keeper. Just over five minutes later the play was switched to Trialist (14) on the right who hit the byline before cutting the ball back for Zak Rudden to fire high into the net.

The scoring was completed with three minutes remaining, Ross Lyon cut in from the right and his shot deflected up in the air off a defender for Zak Rudden to pounce and nod the ball past the keeper.

Full-Time:- Rangers 6 Tynecastle FC 0

Rangers:- Robbie McCrorie; Ross Lyon, Aidan Wilson, Jason Krones, Lewis White (Trialist (12) HT); Max Ashmore (Trialist (14) HT); Jamie Barjonas (Zak Rudden 28 mins), Jordan Thompson (Sam Jamieson 62 mins); Josh Jeffries (Lewis White 79mins), Ryan Hardie (Andy Dallas 62 mins), Scott Roberts.

Easy Pre-Season Wins For Youth Sides

Rangers Under 20’s and Under 17’s opened their pre-season programmes with very easy wins against Airdrie at Murray Park today. With these one-sided scorelines it is debatable how beneficial these fixtures are.

Rangers 9 Airdrie 0

First up was the Under 20’s fixture, with the Rangers squad including four over age players and three trialists, they lined up against what looked a young Airdrie side.

Rangers first attack came on four minutes when Josh Jeffries fed Zak Rudden from the right and the striker forced the keeper to save diving to his right. The first goal came three minutes later, when the ball was cleared from the Airdrie box the Trialist (4) fired a twenty-five yarder low past the keeper.

Rangers doubled their lead just before the quarter-hour, Andy Murdoch in possession on the left hand angle of the box played the ball into the penalty area where it broke off a defender to Zak Rudden who shot past the keeper. Two minutes later Scott Roberts attacked down the left and passed inside to Zak Rudden who laid the ball back for the Trialist (4) to shoot just wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

As the mid-point of the half approached Rangers scored a third, Josh Jeffries on the right passed inside to Zak Rudden he passed square to Robbie Crawford who slotted past the keeper. Number four came on the twenty-five minute mark, Scott Roberts and Lewis White combined on the left to send the full-back to the byline and his low cross was converted by Zak Rudden.

On thirty-three minutes Robbie Crawford played the ball out to Ryan Sinnamon on the right and from his cross Zak Rudden headed narrowly past the keeper’s right hand post. Five minutes before the break Ryan Sinnamon and Andy Murdoch combined on the right side of the box and when the full-back was felled inside the box the referee pointed to the spot which Zak Rudden duly converted. There was still time for Rangers to grab a sixth, Zak Rudden flicking the ball over the head of a defender before beating the keeper from just inside the box.

Half-Time:- Rangers 6 Airdrie 0

Rangers had a chance in the opening minute of the second half when the ball broke to Jamie Barjonas but he was denied by the keeper. Seven minutes later Andy Dallas was sent clear through the inside right channel but he shot straight at the keeper.

Ursene Mouanda played the ball forward to Sam Jamieson on the edge of the box and the keeper dived to his left to save the striker’s shot. Just after the hour Rangers scored their first goal of the half, Ross Lyon was sent clear and he rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into the net.

Rangers looked certain to score midway through the half when Sam Jamieson attacked down the right,  the keeper got a hand to his low centre and teed it up for Andy Dallas, his finish was a bit casual and the ball rebounded off the far post. As the game neared the final quarter-hour some good passing on the edge of the box ended with a Jason Krones layoff for Robbie Crawford to roll the ball past the keeper.

The scoring was completed with nine minutes remaining, Max Ashmore played a short corner from the left to Trialist (19) who cut in past a defender before shooting past the keeper.

Full-Time:- Rangers 9 Airdrie 0

Rangers First Half:- Kieran Wright; Ryan Sinnamon, Aidan Wilson, Kyle Bradley, Lewis White; Trialist (4); Andy Murdoch, Robbie Crawford; Josh Jeffries, Zak Rudden, Scott Roberts.

Rangers Second Half:- Kieran Wright, Ross Lyon, Jason Krones, Kyle Bradley (Robbie Crawford 66 mins), Max Ashmore; Ursene Mouanda; Trialist (19), Jamie Barjonas; Liam Burt, Andy Dallas, Sam Jamieson

Rangers 10 Airdrie 0

The afternoon’s game saw the Under 17’s go one better and hit double figures, the game ceased to be a contest after seven minutes by which time Rangers were three goals up.

Rangers took the lead in the opening minute, Dapo Mebude sending Matthew Shiels through on the left side of the box to shoot across the keeper and into the net. Barely sixty seconds later from Stephen Kelly’s free kick close to the right hand byline Carlo Pignatiello headed past the keeper.

The third goal followed five minutes later, Stephen Kelly’s ball into the box was fumbled by the Airdrie keeper leaving Matthew Shiels the simple task of rolling the ball into the empty net. A further ten minutes had passed when the Trialist (4) sent Dapo Mebude through but the keeper made a fine block with his foot.

Three minutes later Rangers scored a fourth, Zac Butterworth attacked on the right and when he entered the penalty area he got the break of the ball off a defender and he slotted the ball past the keeper. A solo run from Trialist (4) took him past two defenders and into the penalty area to knock in Rangers fifth.

By the half hour mark Rangers had scored again, the ball was worked from left to Zac Butterworth on the right hand angle of the box from where his shot took a deflection before beating the keeper. Four minutes before the break Jay Mack broke forward and passed to Carlo Pignatiello who’s pass released Dapo Mebude who continued into the box before firing into the net.

Half-Time:- Rangers 7 Airdrie 0

Within four minutes of the start of the second half Rangers scored again, Dapo Mebude attacked down the right and from his low ball into the box a superb Matthew Shiels flick setup Mati Zata to net from just inside the box. A minute later a solo run took Cammy Palmer deep into the box where the keeper blocked his effort but knocked it into the path of Matthew Shiels who scored from close range.

A bizarre tenth goal came on seventy-one minutes when Niyah Joseph charged down the keeper’s clearance and the ball sailed into the net. Rangers came close to adding to their tally with three minutes remaining when Mati Zata strode forward before shooting from the edge of the box and the keeper dived to his right to touch the ball on to the post and wide.

Full-Time:- Rangers 10 Airdrie 0

Rangers:- Brian Kinnear (Lewis Muir HT); Jordan Houston (Michael Hewitt HT), Jay Mack, Jamie Walker, Scott Gray (Andy Rodden 55 mins); Trialist (4) (Ross Young 71 mins); Stephen Kelly (Mati Zata HT), Carlo Pignatiello (Cammy Palmer HT); Zac Butterworth (Trialist (19) 55mins), Dapo Mebude (Niyah Joseph 55 mins), Matthew Shiels (Nathan Patterson 55 mins).