Late Winner For 20’s

Rangers 1 Kilmarnock 0

A David Bates header two minutes from time secured the points for Rangers Development League side at Murray Park this afternoon. Chances were few and far between but is was a deserved win for the Ibrox youngsters as keeper Jak Alnwick had little more than a few firm pass backs to deal with.

Rangers had an early chance when Kyle Bradley’s pass released Jordan Gibson inside the right side of the penalty area with Iain Wilson’s challenege diverting the ball behind for a corner. Around a quarter hour later Josh Windass in possession inside the left side of the penalty area cut inside a defender before shooting straight at Jamie MacDonald. Neither side seroiusly troubled the goal for the remainder of the half which ended goalless.

Half-Time:- Rangers 0 Kilmarnock 0

Just after the hour mark Max Ashmore won possession and his effort from around twenty-five yards was deflected just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Midway through the half Ross Lyon’s free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was met by Amin Abaradan who’s flick header was just wide of the far post.

With two minutes remianing Max Ashmore passed inside to Liam Burt who’s thirty yarder was tipped over by Curtis Lyle. When the corner came in from the right David Bates rose to head back across goal and inside the far post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 1 Kilmarnock 0

Rangers:- Jak Alnwick; Kyle Bradley (David Bates 67 mins), Ross McCrorie, Aidan Wilson, Myles Beerman; Max Ashmore; Jamie Barjonas, Josh Windass (Amin Abaradan HT); Liam Burt, Jordan Gibson (Serge Atakayi 63 mins), Ross Lyon.

Not Used:- Robbie McCrorie (Gk), Jason Krones, Andy Dallas, Jack Adamson

Kilmarnock:- Jamie MacDonald (Curtis Lyle HT); Taylor Queen, Miles Addison, Iain Wilson, Sam Liddington; Martin Smith; Dean Hawkshaw, Adam Frizzell, Scott McLean, Lewis Morrison (William Graham 63mins), Josh Umerah (Jack Whittaker 56 mins)

Not Used:- Lewis Clark, Thomas Dempsie, Aidan Wilson,

Comfortable Win for 15’s

Rangers 5 Fife  Elite 1

This weekend’s youth football fix was this morning’s 15’s clash against what looked like a slightly older Fife Elite side. Despite going behind the young Rangers side responded and were soon in front and ran out comfortable winners.

Rangers first opportunity came on twelve minutes with some good play down the left and it ended with Darren Watterson’s shot being saved at the near post at the expense of a corner. Within sixty seconds the visitors were in front with their first venture into Rangers half, a long ball down the left caught out Rangers defence which allowed their attacker to go beyond Lewis Budinauckas and despite the best efforts from Harris O’Connor the ball crept over the line.

On twenty minutes Harris O’Connor sent Darren Watterson chasing his pass into the left side of the penalty area, the keeper got there first to clear as far as Matty Yates who’s effort from distance was just too high. Five minutes later when Kyle McClelland played the ball forward to Matty Yates his twenty-five yarder was pushed wide of the right hand post by the keeper.

As the final five minutes of the half approached Rangers drew level, Kai Kennedy played a corner on the right to Ciaran Dickson on the angle of the box and around twenty-five yards from goal, as soon as he struck the ball it was destined for the for top corner of the net. Three minutes later Rangers were in front, Kai Kennedy passed to Kyle McClelland on the right and from his cross Matty Yates rose to head past the keeper.

Rangers next chance came when Harry Livesey combined with Darren Watterson on the left to sent up a shooting chance for Kai Kennedy that had the keeper stretching to tip over. 

Half-Time:- Rangers 2 Fife Elite 1

Rangers continued to dominate after the break although there were almost twenty minutes gone when Owen McGinty cut the ball back from the byline with Matty Yates shot being blocked on the line, he followed up with a strike from the rebound and it took a superb defensive block to deflect the ball over. Rangers were creating chances again, and when Matty Yates and Kai Kennedy combined on the left to send Owen McGinty to the byline his ball into the middle almost went along the goal line with no takers.

The third goal came along a couple on minutes later, Murray Miller played the ball forward to Owen McGinty on the left and he cut inside before shooting across the keeper and into the far corner. The same player was on target with a quarter-hour remaining, the ball was played up to Owen McGinty on the edge of the penalty area and he side stepped a defender before firing past the keeper. 

Two minutes later Owen McGinty was denied a hat-trick when the keeper got down to his left to save the striker’s shot from a free-kick from just outside the box. The scoring was completed from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining, a long ball sent Owen McGinty racing into the left side of the penalty area where he was tripped with Matty Yates converting the resultant penalty.

Full-Time:- Rangers 5 Fife Elite 1

Rangers Squad:- Lewis Budinauckas, Kyle McClelland, Harry Livesey, Murray Miller, Ally Monro, Harris O’Connor, Tom Henderson, Kai Kennedy, Matty Yates, Ciaran Dickson, Darren Watterson, Owen McGinty, Callum Biggar.

20’s Edged Out At Accies

Hamilton Accies 1 Rangers 0

A goalkeeping error and missed second half chances proved costly for Rangers Development League side at New Douglas Park tonight. With the quality of chances missed after the break the least they should have expected was a share of the spoils.

The first half was a scrappy affair with Rangers in particular giving possession away too cheaply with slack passing. Just before the quarter-hour mark a free-kick routine from the home side created a shooting chance for Ronan Hughes from around twenty-five yards that was deflected wide of Robbie McCrorie’s right hand post. Ten minutes before the break the home side were gifted the opener, from Steven Boyd’s corner from the left Robbie McCrorie miscued his punch and the ball dropped at the feet of Ross Cunningham a couple of yards from the goal line and he had the simple task of knocking the ball into the net.

A couple of minutes later Rico Quitongo and Gramoz Kurtaj combined on the left before moving the ball inside to Ross Cunningham on the left hand angle of the box and he forced a save from Robbie McCrorie low to his left. The home side’s next chance soon followed with Jack Breslin breaking down the right, he played the ball across the eighteen yard line to Steven Boyd on the left hand angle of the box and he cut inside before shooting straight at Robbie McCrorie.

Half-Time:- Hamilton Accies 1 Rangers 0

Three minutes after the break a poor Robbie McCrorie clearance went straight to Gramoz Kurtaj who played in Ryan Tierney with the Rangers keeper redeeming himself by making the save low to his right.Almost immediately from David Bates long pass down the right Liam Burt cut into the box passed a defender with Darren Jamieson coming from his line to make the save. Four minutes later Liam Burt chased the ball down the right and cut in past Danny O’Halloran but he could only find the side netting with his shot.

Rangers passed up a great chance to draw level on sixty-four minutes, Zak Rudden’s pass sent Ryan Hardie through the inside right channel but Darren Jamieson diverted his shot wide of his left hand post with his legs. Within two minutes David Bates got on the end of Ross Lyon’s free-kick from the left hand angle of the box with Darren Jamieson diving to his left to turn the header wide.

The home side threatened to extend their lead as the game entered the final twenty-five minutes, Gramoz Kurtaj sending Marc Kelly into the right side of the penalty area with Robbie McCrorie saving at the striker’s feet and Aidan Wilson completing the clearance. Ryan Hardie was again sent clean through on seventy-five minutes, this time on a Liam Burt pass but he shot wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

Six minutes later when a long ball bounced inside the Accies box,  Ryan Hardie dispossessed Jamie Boyd but his shot came back off the crossbar. Within a minute a long ball into the right side of the box was collected by Ryan Hardie who turned the Trialist defender before shooting but Darren Jamieson saved at his near post at the expense of a corner.

Rangers hand one final opportunity in injury time, Amin Abaradan played the ball forward to Liam Burt, when he was challenged inside the box the ball came back to Amin Abaradan who side-stepped a defender but his effort was straight and Darren Jamieson saved comfortably

Full-Time:- Hamilton Accies 0 Rangers 1

Hamilton Accies:- Darren Jamieson; Jack Breslin, Trialist No.4, Danny O’Halloran, Rico Quitongo; Ronan Hughes; Ross Cunningham, Steven Boyd (Jamie Boyd 67 mins), Gramoz Kurtaj; Ryan Tierney, Marc Kelly.

Not Used:- Ross Connelly (Gk), Adam Douglas, Dylan Henry, Steffan Connelly.

Rangers:- Robbie McCrorie; Jordan Houston, David Bates, Aidan Wilson, Myles Beerman; Jack Thomson; Jamie Barjonas, Josh Windass (Ryan Hardie HT); Liam Burt, Zak Rudden (Amin Abaradan 87 mins), Ross Lyon (Jordan Gibson 74 mins)

Not Used:- Kieran Wright (Gk), Kyle Bradley, Serge Atakayi, Max Ashmore.

Another Win For 20’s

Rangers 2 Dundee United 1

Two Joe Dodoo penalties were enough for Rangers Development League side to secure the points at Forthbank tonight. Trailing to an early goal the Rangers striker made a better job from the spot than last week, confidently converting both.

Rangers were first to threaten after five minutes, following a corner the ball was cleared to Jamie Barjonas outside the penalty area and right of centre, his cross was met on the volley by Aidan Wilson but his effort was weak and straight at Brett Long who saved comfortably. The visitors took the lead with their first attack six minutes later, a good turn on the right hand byline by Scott Allardice created the space for his low driven cross that was converted at close range by Graham Taylor.

Within a minute David Bates rose to meet Liam Burt’s corner from the right that Brett Long saved comfortably low to his right. Rangers drew level on twenty-seven minutes from the penalty spot. Harry Forrester won the ball in midfield and passed to Jamie Barjonas who drove towards the right side of the penalty area, his cross was headed goalwards by Joe Dodoo and Brett Long dived high to his left to produce a stunning save. Liam Burt looked certain to latch on to the rebound until he was tugged back by Scott Allerdice and the referee pointed to the spot with Joe Dodoo stepping up to convert.

Half-Time:- Rangers 1 Dundee United 1

The second half was just under ten minutes old when Ali Coote passed inside to Brad Smith who sent the ball out wide to Cammy Ballentyne, he moved the ball forward to Logan Davie inside the right side of the penalty area, his initial shot was blocked and he sent the rebound across goal and wide of the far post. Rangers replied with a corner on the right from Harry Forrester that David Bates rose to head narrowly over.

Just after the hour Rangers took the lead with their second penalty. From Liam Burt’s through ball Harry Forrester went down under a Jamie Robson challenge, the referee judged it to be a foul and inside the box, up stepped Joe Dodoo who again beat Brett Long low to his right. With the game in the final quarter-hour Zak Rudden passed to Ross Lyon on the left, he made his way along the byline but his effort from a tight angle was blocked by Brett Long at his near post.

In the final minute a free kick from the halfway line was sent deep into to Rangers penalty area where Aidan Wilson headed clear, it fell for Louis Appere who’s turn and shot forced a save from Robbie McCrorie low to his left.

Full-Time:- Rangers 2 Dundee United 1

Rangers:- Robbie McCrorie; Jordan Houston, David Bates, Aidan Wilson, Myles Beerman; Max Ashmore; Jamie Barjonas (Jack Thomson HT), Harry Forrester (Serge Atakayi 74 mins); Liam Burt (Zak Rudden 65 mins), Joe Dodoo, Ross Lyon.

Not Used:- Kieran Wright (Gk), Kyle Bradley, Sam Jamieson, Jason Krones

Dundee United:- Brett Long; Cammy Ballantyne, Scott Reekie, Jamie Robson, Jordan Hornby; Scott Alerdice; Trialist No.11 (Louis Appere 70 mins), Logan Davie, Brad Smith, Graham Taylor; Ali Coote (Logan Chalmers 80 mins).

Not Used:- Josh Donaldson (Gk), Gavin Ritchie, ????? Davidson,  ????? Robb

Injury Time Winner For 10 Man Gers

Hibernian 1 Rangers 2

A stunning Myles Beerman injury time strike gave Rangers Development side the points at Hibs Training Centre this afternoon. Boosted by the inclusion of Danny Wilson, Harry Forester and Joe Dodoo they were deservedly in front when Billy Gilmour was red carded with twenty-five minutes remaining, it looked likely they would be heading for a point when the home side scored a late equaliser until that injury time stunner.

Rangers had a great chance to take the lead on seven minutes, a short corner on the left was played to Billy Gilmour, when his cross into the box was cleared to the edge Aidan Wilson’s goal bound effort was blocked and when David Bates pounced on the rebound he was felled by keeper Patrick Martin and the referee pointed to the spot. Joe Dodoo stepped up but he fired the spot kick high over the crossbar. Two minutes later Liam Burt played the ball forward to Joe Dodoo on the right hand angle of the box a great turn created the space and his shot forced Patrick Martin to turn the ball wide of his right hand post.

Rangers pressure was to tell on seventeen minutes, David Bates rose to head Harry Forrester’s corner from the right goalwards the ball was blocked but fell to the feet of Joe Dodoo who netted from close range. Hibs first threat to Rangers goal came n twenty-seven minutes when Jamie Gullan’s cross come shot from close to the left hand byline was tipped over by Robbie McCrorie.

Less than five minutes later Callum Donaldson’s pass inside Myles Beerman allowed Chris Humphrey to get to the right hand byline with Robbie McCrorie diving out to save his low driven cross. A minute later Jamie Gullen’s effort from a free-kick just outside the left side of the area saw Robbie McCrorie dive to his left to turn the ball wide. 

Half-Time:- Hibernian 0 Rangers 1

Rangers started the second half on the front foot and on fifty-three minutes Billy Gilmour fed Liam Burt on the right hand angle of the box with Patrick Martin getting down to his right to save. Two minutes later Harry Forester’s pass sent Liam Burt breaking towards the box and he was again denied by Patrick Martin diving to his left to turn the ball wide.

Robbie McCrorie rescued Rangers on the hour mark, Scott Martin broke towards the penalty area before slipping a pass through to Oli Shaw with the big keeper saving bravely at the striker’s feet. Just under five minutes later Rangers were reduced to ten men when Billy Gilmour was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Scott Martin. It was a rash challenge by the youngster but I felt the red was harsh considering a couple of equally rash challenges before and after that did not receive the same sanction.

Rangers were comfortable until the home side were awarded a free kick on the left hand angle of the box with two minutes remaining. Jamie Gullen’s delivery took a flick on the way towards goal and Robbie McCrorie was at full stretch to touch the ball on to the bar but was helpless as Oli Shaw knocked the ball into the net. On the ninety minute mark the ball was played up to Oli Shaw on the right hand angle of the box, his turn created space for a shot which was straight at Robbie McCrorie.

We then saw an audacious effort from Harry Forrester, seeing Patrick Martin off his line his shot from halfway sailed narrowly over. Deep into stoppage time Myles Beerman intercepted on halfway and raced clear with four Hibs defenders in pursuit, Ryan Porteus’s attempted cynical foul failed and he continued to just inside the penalty area to fire the ball into Patrick Martin’s top left hand corner.

Full-Time:- Hibernian 1 Rangers 2

Hibernian:- Patrick Martin; Callum Donaldson, Ryan Porteous, Kevin Waugh,  Calum Crane;  Chris Humphrey (Adam Watson 76 mins), Scott Martin, Innes Murray, Jamie Gullan; Fraser Murray; Oli Shaw.

Not Used :- Jack Breen, Sean Mackie, Ali Smith.

Rangers:- Robbie McCrorie; David Bates, Aidan Wilson, Danny Wilson, Myles Beerman; Max Ashmore; Harry Forrester, Billy Gilmour; Liam Burt (Zak Rudden 76 mins), Joe Dodoo, Ross Lyon (Jordan Gibson 90 mins).

Not Used:- Kieran Wright (Gk), Kyle Bradley, Serge Atakayi, Jason Krones, Amin Abaradan.

Youth V Accies Round Up

This weekend’s fixtures saw Rangers take on Hamilton Accies at 13’s through to 15’s, with a home double-header involving 13’s and 14’s and fresh from their wins at Everton last weekend, it was a trip to Auchenhowie for me today.

Rangers 2 Hamilton Accies 0

First up was the under 13’s with a 10 am kick-off, the young Rangers squad that included Under 12’s Brodie Kerr and Jamie Newton, pretty much dominated from start to finish although it took them until the third period to make the break through.

Rangers dominated the opening period but with Hamilton defending stoutly a few last-ditch blocks prevented any real goal scoring opportunities. As often can be the case it was the team on the back foot that had the first real chance seven minutes into the second period. They won the ball on the right hand angle of the Rangers penalty area and the ball was moved across the box but the shot was wide of Jack McConnell’s right hand post.

Rangers replied within a couple of minutes with a Dire Mebude solo run that took him into the left side of the penalty but he was denied by the keeper who saved at the near post. Just over five minutes later a Robbie Ure pass sent Mackenzie Strachan through, he was forced wide as he went round the keeper and his shot came back off the keeper’s right hand post.

A minute later Makenzie Kirk’s cross from the right went all the way beyond the back post to Jack Scanlan, he nutmegged a defender on the byline before he picked out Robbie Ure inside the box, his miss kicked  his shot but the ball went to Dire Mebude who shot narrowly over. Rangers next effort came from a Leyton  Dunlop twenty-five yarder that the keeper tipped on to the bar and over. The corner from the left went to Dire Mebude on the far side of the penalty area, his cross into the box broke for Logan Dunachie who’s hooked shot bounced off the bar.

Rangers first attack in the final period came on five minutes, Alex King sent Jamie Newton down the left he found Dire Mebude at the back post but his shot was cleared from the line. Within sixty seconds Dire Mebude crossed from the right to Leyton Dunlop who’s effort was saved  and scrambled clear by the Accies defence.

The break through came barely a minute later, Jamie Newton attacked down the left and when his low cross was cleared only as far as Jack Harkness he picked his spot just inside the post. Just before the period turn round Robbie Ure sent Dire Mebude through but the keeper was quick from his line to divert the ball wide of his left hand post.

Rangers double their lead five minutes after the teams swopped ends, a corner from the left went beyond the back post to Robbie Ure who laid it back to Darren McInally, Logan Dunachie challenged with a defender for the cross and when the ball bounced between them the Rangers centre back fired into the net. In Rangers next attack Leyton Dunlop sent Jamie Newton down the left, he went past a defender into the box where he was pulled back for a clear penalty. Robbie Ure sent the keeper left and the ball  right but it rebounded off the post and clear.

Rangers continued to make chances, Jack Harkness passed to Jamie Newton  picked out Dire Mebude who shot just wide of the keeper’s right hand post. The final chance came when Leyton Dunlop hit the left hand byline and his cross to the back post was volleyed off the upright by Dire Mebude.

Full-Time:- Rangers 2 Hamilton Accies 0

Rangers Squad:- Jack McConnell (Gk), Jack Harness, Sam Lovie, Darren McInally, Logan Dunachie, Kelsey Ewan, Jack Scanlan, Mackenzie Strachan, Dire Mebude, Robbie Ure, Makenzie Kirk, Alex King, Leyton Dunlop, Brodie Kerr, Jamie Newton.

Rangers 4 Hamilton Accies 0

The early afternoon kick-off saw Rangers 14’s, with two under 13’s in the squad take on Hamilton Accies. Leon King permanently plays up a year and he was joined in the squad by Kelsey Ewan. Anyone familiar with this 2003 squad will know that they will,no matter who their opponents are,  never have a physical advantage and  on occasions they have been bullied out of games. Today’s performance, especially in the first two periods  was as good as I have seen from a young Rangers side for a very long time. Their two  touch pass and move style had their bigger, stronger opponents chasing shadows. It was also apparent to those watching from the side that the players were really enjoying playing the way they did.

Rangers first chance came on nine minutes when Reegan Aitken played in Matthew Collins who shot across goal and narrowly wide. Several moves carved open the defence but broke down on the final pass or a last-ditch challenge. The break through came just after the twenty-minute mark, Reegan Aitken took a short corner on the left to Matthew Henderson on the angle of the box and his cross was knocked into the net by Leon King at the back post.

The second goal five minutes before the end of the period and it was a joy to watch, the ball was moved around the midfield at pace from centre to right involving Rhys Caves, Adam Devine, Aaron Lyall, Robbie Fraser, Matthew Collins and Alex Lowry it ended with a cross from the right that was converted at the far post by Reegan Aitken.  Rangers third came in the opening minute of the second period from the penalty spot. Reegan Aitken combined with Matthew Collins on the right side of the box and the referee judged Matthew Collins was halted by the illegal use of an elbow with Robbie Fraser converting the penalty.

Another superb move carved open Accies on the left, Matthew Henderson combined with Alex Lowry and Reegan Aitken to provide the opportunity for Matthew Collins who fired a shot off the crossbar. Midway through the period Rangers scored a fourth, Reegan Aitken moved the ball in from the left to Matthew Collins, a superb turn and a couple of steps to the edge of the box before shooting past the keeper.

Accies had three strong quick forwards who had failed to really threaten the Rangers goal, with nine minutes of the period remaining they broke through on the right of Rangers box with Jay Hogarth blocking the shot with his legs and the rebound was fired wide. The final period was a bit tame by comparison and the only real chance came from an Alex Lowry solo run into the left side of the penalty area where he forced a save from the keeper at the near post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 4 Hamilton Accies 0

Rangers Squad:- Jay Hogarth (Gk), Adam Devine, Matthew Henderson, Rhys Caves, Aiden Berry, Leon King, Aaron Lyall, Robbie Fraser, Matthew Collins, Alex Lowry, Reegan Aitken, Lewis Robertson, Kelsey Ewan, Evan McSwegan.

Footnote:- Rangers U15’s lost 4-3 to their Accies counterparts at New Douglas Park this morning.