Youths Cup Loss At Dumbarton

Dumbarton 2 Rangers 1

Early goals at the start of each half proved costly for Rangers Colts in tonight’s Irn Bru cup tie at Dumbarton. Ryan Hardie reduced the deficit and with a bit of luck they may have forced the game into extra-time.

Pre-match debate was around which two overage players Rangers would use, it was pretty certain that Ryan Hardie would be one with Jason Holt being the surprise inclusion in midfield. They faced a Dumbarton starting lineup where more than half of the eleven were former Rangers players.

It was a disastrous opening minute for Rangers conceding a penalty, Callum Gallagher got behind the Rangers defence and broke into the left side of the penalty area chased by Aidan Wilson, the striker got in front of the Rangers defender and was impeded for a clear penalty which he duly converted, with Aidan Wilson a little fortunate to receive only a yellow card. Rangers had an opportunity just before the ten minute mark when Jason Holt was brought down by Andy Dowie on the edge of the box, Jamie Barjones took the free-kick that Scott Gallagher saved comfortably low to his left.

Midway through the half Serge Atakayi in possession on the right passed to Jason Holt inside the right side of the box and he fired across the face of goal. Rangers were having their best spell and when Zak Rudden played the ball forward to Andy Dallas on the edge of the box he laid it back to Jamie Barjonas who’s effort was deflected wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Just before the half-hour Ross McCrorie played the ball from the back to Zak Rudden, his pass released Andy Dallas inside the left side of the penalty area, under pressure from defender he could only find the side netting.

The home side replied when Kyle Hutton picked up a loose ball and his twenty-five yarder beat Aidan McAdams but bounced off his right hand post.

Half-Time:- Dumbarton 1 Rangers 0

Dumbarton increased their former Ranger contingent with former youth player Chris Johnston replacing Ally Roy. Rangers kept their goal intact for three minutes longer than they did in the first half. The move was started on the left by Tom Walsh who sent Chris McLaughlin towards the byline and his low cross was converted by Mark Stewart at close range. As the hour mark approached Callum Gallagher chased a ball down the right before passing inside to Tom Walsh and his effort forced a save from Aidan McAdams.

The Rangers keeper was in action again a minute later, Chris McLaughlin broke forward and his powerful strike from distance was punched clear by Aidan McAdams. Just after the hour Jason Holt played the ball up to Zak Rudden who laid it off to Ryan Hardie with the striker’s effort being deflected wide of Scott Gallagher’s left hand post.

Back to the other end and Dumbarton worked the ball along the eighteen yard line from right to left, starting with Mark Stewart through David Wilson and on to Tom Walsh who’s shot had Aidan Wilson diving to his left to save. Within in sixty seconds Rangers had pulled a goal back, Ryan Hardie won possession and played a one-two with Zak Rudden to take him inside the left side of the box and slot the ball past Scott Gallagher.

Rangers won the ball back from kick-off and Jason Holt passed to Matthew Shiels inside right side of the penalty area, his first effort was blocked with his follow-up saved by Scott Gallagher at his near post. With nine minutes remaining Rangers had a great chance to draw level, Jason Holt and Zak Rudden combined to release Ryan Hardie inside the left side of the box but Scott Gallagher diverted the shot wide at the near post with his legs. 

The final clear chance came at the other end when Jordan Houston’s headed pass back slipped through the hands of Aidan McAdams presenting Chris McLaughlin with a chance but he could only fire into the side netting.

Full-Time:- Dumbarton 2 Rangers 1

Dumbarton:- Scott Gallagher; Sam Wardrop, Andy Dowie, Craig Barr (Dougie Hill 55 mins), Chris McLaughlin; Tom Walsh, David Wilson, Kyle Hutton, Ally Roy (Chris Johnston HT); Callum Gallagher (Stuart Carswell 58 mins), Mark Stewart.

Not Used:- Jamie Ewings (Gk), David Smith, Danny Handling, Christian Nade.

Rangers:- Aidan McAdams; Jordan Houston, Aidan Wilson, Ross McCrorie, Myles Beerman; Jamie Barjonas, Jason Holt; Zak Rudden; Serge Atakayi (Matthew Shiels 65 mins), Ryan Hardie, Andy Dallas (Cammy Palmer 60 mins).

Not Used:- Kieran Wright (Gk), Jack Thomson, Scott Gray, Mati Zata, Danny Finlayson.