Weekend Youth Round Up

A first trip to Murrayfield and a busy weekend for youth football set up my weekend nicely. Friday night saw the development squad take on Liverpool, while on Sunday morning the 15’s took on Hamilton Accies at The Superseal Stadum. But my choice for Sunday was the 14’s clash with Accies in the morning followed by a three team tournament involving Rangers, Hamilton Accies and Liverpool in the afternoon at Auchenhowie.

Rangers 1 Liverpool 4

After losing an early penalty it was an uphill task for Rangers Development squad against a slick Liverpool side. There was nine minutes on the clock when Bobby Adekanye in possession outside the right side of the box picked out the run of Liam Miller and a tug from Aidan Wilson resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. Skipper Adam Lewis stepped up to convert the penalty. Less than ten minutes later Rangers drew level, a free-kick wide on the right was worked short and Jordan Thompson picked out Matty Shiels free inside the box and he calmly slotted past Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Ibrox side were on level term for barely two minutes, Edvard Tagseth played the ball to Liam Miller wide on the left, he went past Andy Dallas before picking out Bobby Adekanye on the edge of the six yard box and his cushioned volley went through the legs of Aidan McAdams. The Premiership youngsters extended their lead just after the half hour, again it was constructed on the left with Adam Lewis crossing for Liam Miller to fire into the top corner.

Half-Time:- Rangers 1 Liverpool 3

Liverpool were first to threaten after the break, Tom Clayton played the ball to Adam Lewis wide on the left and from his low cross Liam Miller forced a decent save from Aidan McAdams. Straight to the other end and when Serge Atakayi got to the right hand byline his cutback was fired over by Zak Rudden from the edge of the six yard box.

The Ibrox youngsters were punished almost immediately when Livepool scored a fourth,  Bobby Adekanye broke down the right and he passed inside to Rafa Camacho who had time and space to shoot past Aidan McAdams. Liverpool were reduced to ten men just after the hour mark, George Johnston was high and rash with a challenge on Stephen Kelly and referee Scott Lambie showed him a straight red card.

The rest of the game was only noted for a flurry of substitutions as the English side saw out the game comfortably.

Full-Time:- Rangers 1 Liverpool 4

Rangers:- Aidan McAdams; Andy Dallas, Kyle Bradley, Aidan Wilson (Lewis Mayo HT), Myles Beerman; Cammy Palmer; Stephen Kelly, Jordan Thomson (Izhaak Ahmed 82 mins); Serge Atakayi, Zak Rudden (Matty Yates 86 mins), Matthew Shiels (Ross Lyon 58 mins).

Not Used:- Nicky Hogarth.

Liverpool:- Caoimhin Kelleher; Mich’El Parker, Tom Clayton, George Johnston; Rafa Camacho (Rhys Williams 64 mins), Elijah Dixon-Bonner (Yasser Larouci 75 mins), Edvard Tagseth (Luis Longstaff 56 mins), Adam Lewis (Tony Glennon 80 mins); Bobby Adekanye (Abdi Sharif 68 mins), Liam Miller (Glen McAuley 68 mins), Curtis Jones.

Not Used:- Viteslav Jaros.

 

Rangers 4 Hamilton Accies 0

On Sunday morning Rangers Under 14’s served up some great football to record a comfortable win of Hamilton Accies, although it was into the third period before they made the game safe.

Rangers had an early chance on five minutes when Leyton Dunlop sent Jamie Newton through the inside left channel but he shot across goal and wide of the far post. As the period entered the final ten minutes Rangers opened the scoring with  superb goal. The passing move involved Kelsey Ewan who passed to Dire Mebude, when he moved it on to Jack Scanlan on the right side of the box he went past a defender before exchanging passes with Robbie Ure and curling a shot over the keeper.

Within a couple of minutes an Accies corner from the left saw a scramble ensue inside the Rangers penalty area and it took a Gavin Gallagher goal line clearance to prevent an equaliser. Rangers had the bulk of possession in the second period but the only real chance came at the end of another great move. Jack Scanlan, Mackenzie Strachan, Robbie Ure and Dire Mebude were all involved in getting the ball to Gavin Gallagher inside the left side of the box but his shot was saved at the near post by the keeper.

Within two minutes of the start of the final period Rangers doubled their lead, Darren McInally’s through ball sending Tyler Pasnik clear to continue into the box and calmly roll the ball past the keeper. Just after the period turn around Rangers scored again, Robbie Ure combined with Mackenzie Strachan  who sent Tyler Pasnik clear and he took the ball wide of the keeper before rolling the ball into the net.

Rangers were looking to add to their tally and when Jack Harkness hit the byline on the right his cutback found Darren McInally but the keeper was quick to advance from his line to make the block. With six minutes remaining Darren McInally’s through ball sent Robbie Ure clean through and he went round the keeper before rolling the ball into the net. There was still time for Darren McInally to strike a long-range free-kick that clipped the crossbar on the way over.

Full-Time:- Rangers 4 Hamilton Accies 0

Rangers Squad:- Jack McConnell (Gk), Jack Harkness, Kelsey Ewan, Logan Dunachie, Leyton Dunlop, Jamie Newton, Mackenzie Strachan, Jack Scanlan, Dire Mebude, Robbie Ure, Gavin Gallagher, Darren McInally, Tyler Pasnik.

 

The afternoon saw a three team mini tournament involving Rangers and Hamilton Accies U13’s (2005’s) with Liverpool’s “English Age Group” U12’s ( a mix of 2005’s and 2006’s), with the games played over two thirty minute periods. With Liverpool’s keeper taking ill, Rangers keeper Scott Cowie was between the sticks in both their games.

Rangers 1 Hamilton Accies 2

The young  Rangers side were to rue a series of missed chances and they were edged out by Hamilton in the first game.

The visitors came close to an early lead when a superb long-range strike beat Kyle Budinauckas but struck the underside of the crossbar. Rangers replied on the quarter-hour mark, Elliot Dunlop passed to Callum Sandilands who moved the ball on to Zak McKay who’s shot was cleared from the goal line.

Within a couple of minutes the referee saw a foul in a challenge inside the right side of Rangers box and awarded Hamilton a rather soft penalty.

Half-Time- Rangers 0 Hamilton Accies 1

Rangers had an early chance at the start of the second half, Max Conway played the ball forward to Zak McKay who cut inside and forced a diving save from the keeper low to his right.

Rangers next chance fell to Elliot Dunlop when he was found by Zak McKay inside the left side of the penalty area but he was also denied by the keeper.Rangers next chance came with a  Zak Queen break on the right, his ball into the box saw Kyan Gunn take a great touch but shot just over.

Rangers were then caught out with a ball over the top of the defence, the Accies attacker held off a defender and although Scott Cowie got a touch on the shot he couldn’t prevent it crossing the line to double Hamilton’s lead. Rangers quickly reduced the deficit when Tyler Pasnik broke down the left before passing inside for Zak McKay to shoot past the keeper.

Hesitancy in the Rangers defence presented another chance for the visitors and it took a brave save at the feet of the striker from Scott Cowie to prevent a goal. With time running out Ryan Murray swung in a free-kick from wide right and the ball went over everyone’s head and bounced off the cross-bar. Rangers had a great chance to snatch a draw when Zak McKay’s flick on sent Tyler Pasnik racing down the right, as he made his way along the byline the referee saw enough to award another soft penalty but he stepped up a blazed a shot high over the bar.

Full-Time:- Rangers 1 Hamilton Accies 2

Rangers:- Kyle Budinauckas; Max Conway, Adam Forrester, Brodie Kerr, Ryan Murray; Kyan Gunn; Zak Queen, Callum Sandilands; Zak McKay, Ricco Diack, Elliot Dunlop.

Subs All Used :- Scott Cowie (Gk), Ewan Ross, Kole Connelly, Tyler Pasnik

Next up was Hamilton Accies against Liverpool and without the squad lists it would have been difficult to construct a match report. In what was a relatively even game it finished Hamilton Accies 1 Liverpool 2.

 

Rangers 8 Liverpool 2

In a stunning first half the Ibrox youngsters blew their opponents away by scoring six times without reply. And only a string of saves from Rangers keeper Scott Cowie, guesting for Liverpool prevented a higher tally.

The first goal was created on the right with Zak McKay’s run and cross and it was finished by a controlled Jamie Newton volley. There was eleven minutes on the clock when Rangers and Jamie Newton grabbed their second, as he made his way along the left hand byline the, break referee saw a push and awarded another soft penalty that he duly converted.

Within a minute Zak McKay intercepted a pass in defence to race clear, Scott Cowie made a fine stop with Ricco Diack volleying the rebound just wide. The third goal came on the quarter-hour mark, Kole Connelly winning possession and feeding Zak MaKay inside the right side of the box and he fired into the net.

Rangers were now creating chances at will and when Kole Connelly passed to Jamie Newton he moved the ball onto Zak McKay who forced Scott Cowie to save low to his left. The keeper was left helpless in Rangers next attack, Jamie Newton passed to Ricco Diack inside them left side of the penalty area he cut inside a defender before shooting past the keeper.

Jamie Newton was again the provider for Rangers fifth breaking forward before releasing Tyler Pasnik inside the left side of the box and he fired into the net. Ryan Murray started Rangers next attack with a ball forward to Jamie Newton who cut the ball back to Kole Connelly who’s shot was tipped over by Scott Cowie.

Rangers soon scored again, with Liverpool caught over playing at the back Jamie Newton pounced to race through and slot in number six. Scott Cowie was putting up stiff resistance to wave after wave of Rangers attacks and made another save from Ricco Diack after he was played through by Jamie Newton.

Rangers had a great chance to add a seventh before the break, Brodie Kerr played the ball forward to Jamie Newton who went past a defender before being tripped for what on this occasion was a clear penalty but he shot wide of the keeper’s left hand post.

Half-Time:- Rangers 6 Liverpool 0

Liverpool pulled a goal back early in the second half, some good passing on the edge of Rangers box created the chance through the centre and the ball was prodded past Jack Glen. Within minutes Liverpool broke through the centre again but on this occasion the shot lacked direction and Jack Glen saved comfortably.

Rangers were soon back on attack and when Jamie Newton played through Zak McKay he was denied by a Scott Cowie save. In Rangers next attack they scored a seventh, Adam Forrester sent Zak McKay and although his cross appeared to be behind Ricco Diack he still managed to direct a shot past the keeper.

Some good play on the edge of the Liverpool box ended with a powerful Tyler Pasnik striker that was parried by Scott Cowie. When the ball landed back at Tyler Pasnik his shot looked destined for the net till Scott Cowie produced a stunning save diving to his right.

The “Rangers” keeper produced further saves, firstly from Jamie Newton after he was set up from an Adam Forrester pass from the right. The next was created when Callum Sandilands sent Tyler Pasnik down the right and his cross found its way to Elliot Dunlop at the back post with Scott Cowie saving low to his right.

He was eventually beaten again when Zak Queen’s ball in from the right was helped on by Tyler Pasnik to Callum Sandilands who hooked a shot over his shoulder and into the net. The game ended with a Liverpool goal, when the ball was cleared from Rangers box the shot found the net off the inside of Kyle Budinauckas right hand post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 8 Liverpool 2

Rangers:- Jack Glen; Adam Forrester, Christian Webster, Brodie Kerr, Ryan Murray; Ewan Ross; Kole Connelly, Jamie Newton; Zak McKay, Ricco Diack, Tyler Pasnik.

Subs All Used:- Kyle Budinauckas (Gk), Zak Conway, Kyan Gunn, Callum Sandilands, Zak Queen, Elliot Dunlop.

Footnote:- A Leon King goal was enough to give Rangers U15’s a narrow win over their Hamilton Accies counterparts at The SuperSeal Stadium this morning.

 

16’s Hit Six

Rangers 6 St.Mirren 1

Rangers Under 16’s recorded a comfortable win over their St.Mirren counterparts at Auchenhowie tonight. The breakthrough came on nine minutes, when the ball came in to the box from the left a superb Matty Yates turn created the space for him to shoot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Just before the half-hour mark Matty Yates chased a ball into the box to challenge the keeper, the ball cleared the box to around twenty-five yards out where Kieran McKechnie fired it first time into the unguarded net.

Six minute later the Saints keeper did well to push John Balde’s powerful strike from the edge of the box up into the air, but lost the race to the rebound as Matty Yates knocked the ball into the net. Just before the break the visitors had a chance to reduce the deficit, the attack came down the left and when the cross came in the header was wide of Lewis Budinauckas right hand post.

There was still time for Rangers to grab a fourth before the break, Kieran McKechnie and Matthew Henderson worked a short corner on the left and when the cross came in Matty Yates headed the ball back where it came from and in off the post.

Half-Time:- Rangers 4 St.Mirren 0

It was St.Mirren who had the first real chance after the break with a ball over the top of the Rangers defence sending their striker racing clear but Lewis Budinauckas raced from his line to make the block. In their next attack into the left side of the box the attacker was tripped by Ryan Muir but he was rescued when Lewis Budinauckas blocked the penalty with his legs.

As the half’s twenty-minute mark approached St.Mirren got the goal their play deserved, the attack started on the right and the cross to the back post was headed across goal and knocked into the net from close range. Rangers reply was a superb passing move that started on the left with Kieran McKechnie and involved Matthew Henderson, Darren Watterson, Matty Yates and ended with Kieran McKechnie back in possession on the right, from his cross Matty Yates headed narrowly wide of the far post.

As the game approached the final quarter-hour Ryan Muir advanced to the right hand byline and picked out Callum Biggar with his cutback who slammed the ball past the keeper. The scoring was completed when John Balde rose to head a cross from the right past the keeper.

Full-Time:- Rangers 6 St.Mirrren 1

Rangers:- Lewis Budinauckas (Jay Hogarth 66 mins); Ryan Muir, Ally Monro (Mark Woods 77 mins), Jay Mack, Jamie Walker; Ben Williamson (Matthew Henderson 26 mins); Kieran McKecnie, John Balde; Tom Henderson (Lewis Robertson 72 mins), Matty Yates, Darren Watterson (Callum Biggar 72 mins).

Comfortable Win For 13’s

Rangers 7 Fife Elite 1

With the League Cup Semi Final scheduled for Sunday I thought my prospects for a youth football fix were doomed, but a 10am kick-off meant I could take in the Under 13’s clash with Fife Elite before heading for Hampden.

Rangers made the breakthrough on twelve minutes, Adam Forrester crossed from the right and Callum Sandilands thundered a shot against the crossbar the ball was cleared from the penalty area, but whenhen the it came back into the box Ricco Diack was on hand to shoot past the keeper. Three minutes later Kole Connelly passed to Ricco Diack wide on the right and from his cross Tyler Pasnik beat the keeper with a controlled volley.

The third came when Ricco Diack progressed on the right before passing to Tyler Pasnik and his cutback found Ryan Murray arriving inside the left side of the box to fire into the net. The visitors replied with an attack down the left and when the ball was passed inside it was prodded past Jack Glen. 

Rangers were soon back on attack and Jamie Newton  in possession on the left released Ricco Diack but he shot wide of the far post. On the Fife side’s next attack Christian Webster was penalised for a challenge just inside the box but the penalty was struck wide of Jack Glen’s right hand post.

Rangers had another chance before the end of the period with Tyler Pasnik braking down the right, his pass sent Ricco Diack through but he was bit too casual which allowed the keeper to disposes him.

Rangers had an early chance in the second period, Brodie Kerr breaking forward and passing to Kole Connelly who released Ricco Diack but he shot just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Within a minute Callum Sanidlands got on the end of Jamie Newton’s cross from the left but was denied by a brilliant save from the Fife keeper diving high to his left.

He produced another fine save minutes later when Jamie Newton was challenged on the left side of the box the ball broke to Ricco Diack but the keeper got down to his left to turn the ball wide. His next save came when Tyler Pasnik progressed on the right and passed to Ricco Diack who cut inside a defender but the keeper blocked his shot at the near post.

He was eventually beaten just after the midpoint of the period, Adam Forrester broke forward and passed to Kole Connelly on the edge of the box and he set up Ricco Diack inside the right side of the penalty area and he shot past the keeper. When Kole Connelly collected a pass in from the left his shot from distance beat the keeper but came back off the cross-bar.

Before the period end Adam Forrester played the ball forward to Zak Queen on the edge of the box and his shot came back off the keeper’s right hand post. Rangers added a fifth in the opening minute of the final period, Elliot Dunlop broke down the left leaving two defenders in his wake, from his cross Callum Sandilands near post header found the net.

Rangers next chance was a Ricco Diack solo effort, going past two defenders on the left hand byline before seeing his shot cleared from the line. Rangers then moved the ball from right to left from Zak Queen through Kole Connelly to Elliot Dunlop who’s shot forced the keeper to stretch and tip over.

The next chance was a mirror image of the previous one, this time moving from left to right, from Kole Connelly through Zak Queen to Ricco Diack who saw his shot saved. Straight from the period turn round Ricco Diack in possession on the left passed inside to Kole Connelly who moved it on to Callum Sandilands inside the right side of the box and he shot off the near post.

Rangers added a couple of goals in the closing minutes, Callum Sanidlands pass sent Ricco Diack through the inside right channel and he continued into the box to slot passed the keeper. Another Callum Sandilands pass to Elliot Dunlop on the left allowed the winger to advance and cut inside before shooting across the keeper into the far corner.

Full-Time:- Rangers 7 Fife Elite 1

Rangers Squad:- Jack Glen (Gk), Kyle Budinauckas (Gk), Scott Cowie (Gk), Adam Forrester, Ryan Murray, Zak Queen, Brodie Kerr, Christian Webster, Tyler Pasnik, Kole Connelly, Ricco Diack, Callum Sandilands, Jamie Newton, Elliot Dunlop, Ewan Ross.

 

 

Youth Round Up

Dundee United 1 Rangers 3

Youth games started early this weekend with the Development squad taking on Dundee United at St. Andrew’s University on Friday afternoon, so it was a good opportunity to take in this game before heading to Perth. The Rangers side was supplemented by the inclusion of Danny Wilson and Niko Krnajcar while the young United side had an experienced pairing in central defence with Lewis Toshney and Tam Scobbie.

Rangers created the first chance on thirteen minutes when Scott Gray played the ball forward to Jordan Thompson on the left, Matthew Shiels was first to his low cross but knocked the ball just wide of the near post. The home side responded five minutes later with an attack down the left, when the ball came into the box their striker failed to hit the target shooting wide of Kieran Wright’s left hand post.

The remainder of the half was pretty even with neither side creating any further clear-cut chances.

Half-Time:- Dundee United 0 Rangers 0

Rangers made an early break through six minutes into the second half, when Niko Kranjcar’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off a defender towards the left hand byline Serge Atakayi chased to find the net from a tight angle. Five minutes later Cammy Palmer passed to Matthew Shiels who broke from halfway before playing in Ryan Hardie on the left side of the box with the United keeper saving bravely at the striker’s feet.

Rangers doubled their lead just before the hour, the ball was moved from left to right, from Ryan Hardie through Niko Kranjcar onto Matthew Shiels who slotted past the keeper. Rangers third came just as the game was about to enter the final quarter-hour, Niko Kranjcar’s free-kick from the left side of the penalty area was missed by everyone and found the far bottom corner.

Rangers were now creating chances on a regular basis and when Danny Wilson crossed from the left Zak Rudden was denied by the keeper. The keeper was soon called into to action again, saving to his left from Andy Dallas after he was setup from a Serge Atakyi pass from the right.

Serge Atakayi was again the provider, passing to Niko Kranjcar on the left side of the box who forced a third save in a six-minute period from the keeper. The home side responded by grabbing a consolation goal with seven minutes remaining, some good play down the left took them to the byline and the low centre was converted at close range.

Full-Time:- Dundee United 1 Rangers 3

Rangers:- Kieran Wright; Andy Dallas, Kyle Bradley, Danny Wilson, Scott Gray; Cammy Palmer; Jordan Thompson (Stephen Kelly 63 mins), Niko Kranjcar; Serge Atakayi, Ryan Hardie (Zak Rudden 69 mins), Matthew Shiels.

Not Used:- Aiden McAdams (Gk), Izzak Ahmed, Josh McPake, Kyle McLelland.

 

With the older age groups kicking off simultaneously at The Oriam Sunday’s choice was travel through there for one game or take in the two younger age groups at Auchenhowie. Two games are better than one on a Sunday so it was off to Auchenhowie.

Rangers 5 Hearts 2

A closed road and subsequent diversion meant missing the opening few minutes of the 13’s game, by which time Rangers were a goal down. Rangers were soon level and I was still trying to figure out the Rangers lineup when Callum Sandilands hooked a shot over his shoulder and high past the keeper. Hearts threatened from a right-wing corner with Jack Glen saving the header high to his left.

Rangers got themselves in front in the second period when Elliot Dunlop’s ball over the Hearts defence sent Zac McKay breaking into the right side of the penalty area, he miscued his shot but it went straight to Ricco Diack who netted from the edge of the six yard box. Number three soon followed when Ryan Murray’s superb cross from the left was more than matched by Callum Sandilands volley that gave the keeper no chance.

Rangers were now well on top and when Zak Queen teed up Zac McKay on the left hand angle of the box he was denied by the keeper. The next chance came when Max Conway played the ball forward to Ricco Diack on the right who played the ball across the box to Zac McKay who again tested the keeper.

With game now in the third and final period Rangers added a fourth, Ryan Murray’s pass sending Zac McKay racing clear on the left and he continued into the box to shoot past the keeper. Before the period turn around Elliot Dunlop won possession before feeding Kole Connelly who fired narrowly wide of the keeper’s right hand post.

Rangers scored a fifth once the teams had swapped ends, Ewan Ross won the ball before striding forward and beating the keeper with a shot from distance. Hearts managed to grab a second goal before the final whistle, Scott Cowie seemed to have gathered a through ball but when it broke free it was squeezed into the net at the left hand post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 5 Hearts 2

Rangers Squad:- Jack Glen (Gk), Kyle Budinauckas (Gk), Scott Cowie (Gk), Max Conway, Adam Forrester, Christian Webster, Ryan Murray; Ewan Ross, Kole Connelly, Callum Sandilands, Zac McKay, Ricco Diack, Elliot Dunlop, Zak Queen, Rory Wilson, Niall Rogerson.

 

Rangers 4 Hearts 1

Next up was the under 14’s clash and with a few players unavailable the squad included three promoted from the under 13’s. 

Rangers first chance came when Dire Mebude won the ball and broke into the right side of the penalty area, with options in the centre he attempted to chip the keeper but his effort was too casual and the keeper saved comfortably. Within a minute the Hearts keeper was having to  show speed and bravery to save at Robbie Ure’s feet as he broke into the left side of the box.

The breakthrough came eight minutes into the second period, Harley Ewan and Jack Scanlan combined the play the ball out wide right to Tyler Pasnik, he advanced before sending in a superb cross and find Jack Scanlan who had continued into the box and net from around eight yards. Three minutes later Rangers doubled their lead, another superb run and cross from Tyler Pasnik on the right setup a series of head tennis inside the six yard box with Gavin Gallagher barged in the back for a clear penalty that was confidently converted by Leyton Dunlop.

Rangers didn’t have to wait long for a third, from Logan Dunachie’s ball over the top of the hearts defence Robbie Ure got the better of the defender as the tussled on the left side of the penalty area before shooting past the keeper. Hearts had a chance before the period ended with an attack down the left, but when the ball came into the box the shot was wide of Jack McConnell’s left hand post.

The final period was just over ten minutes old when Rangers scored a fourth, Tyler Pasnik’s throw in sent Dire Mebude to the byline on the right, he skipped past a defender before picking out Gavin Gallagher who netted from close range. With just over ten minutes remaining Hearts swung in a corner from the left and a header looked netbound until Jack Harkness cleared from the line.

In the final minute Kelsey Ewan was short with a pass back and the referee adjudged Gregor McLeod tripped the attacker as they challenged for the ball and pointed to the spot which was duly converted.

Full-Time:- Rangers 4 Hearts 1

Rangers Squad:- Jack McConnell (Gk), Gregor McLeod (Gk), Brodie Kerr, Kelsey Ewan, Logan Dunachie, Leyton Dunlop, Harley Ewan, Jack Harkness, Jack Scanlan, Dire Mebude, Robbie Ure, Gavin Gallagher, Tyler Pasnik, Jamie Newton.

Footnote:- Meanwhile at The Oriam Rangers U17”s won 4-1 with the goals coming from Zack Butterworth, Dapo Mebude (2) & Matty Yates. Hearts came out on top in the U15’s clash by 3-1, Rangers goal coming from Adam Mansouri.

Youths St.Mirren Double Header

Rangers 3 St.Mirren o

The kick-off times meant I could take in both games at Auchenhowie today, first up was the under 15’s clash. It was a comfortable win for Rangers with missed chances in the first half especially keeping that margin to three.

Rangers first chance came on seven minutes when Reegan Aitken passed to Aaron Lyall inside the right side of the penalty area, he stepped inside a defender but the keeper blocked his shot with a foot. Six minutes later Matthew Henderson combined with Adam Mansouri on the left who played the ball across the box to Aaron Lyall who again stepped inside a defender but dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Just before the half-hour Aaron Lyall robbed a defender on the edge of the box, the keeper again blocked with his foot with Adam Mansouri following up to knock the ball into the net but was flagged offside. The break through came four minutes before the break when Adam Devine picked out the run of Reegan Aitken into the box and he slotted the ball past the keeper.

St. Mirren threatened just before half-time, the ball was moved from left to right for the full-back to try his luck from distance which Grant Thackray saved comfortably. There was still time for Reegan Aitken to release Adam Mansouri, who held his run from the halfway line to remain onside, he progressed to the right hand byline and his cross was touched on to the bar by the keeper.

Half-Time:- Rangers 1 St.Mirren 0

The first chance of the second half came for the visitors, the move was built up down the right and when the ball came into the box the close range shot was straight at Jay Hogarth. Rangers were soon back on the attack and when the ball was moved in from the right Robbie Fraser’s shot forced a save from the keeper low to his left. 

Almost immediately St. Mirren threatened when a corner came in from the right with Jay Hogarth saving the centre back’s header. Rangers doubled their lead midway through the half, Reegan Aitken passed to Tom Henderson on the right and his cutback found Aaron Lyall who beat the keeper with a calm finish.

By the time Rangers scored their third St.Mirren were reduced to ten men when their midfielder picked up a second yellow. With six minutes remaining when Tom Henderson passed to Reegan Aitken on the right, when he moved the ball inside to Robbie Fraser his twenty-five yarder gave the keeper no chance as it found his bottom left hand corner. The final chance came when Matthew Henderson released Matthew Collins to cross from the left, Reegan Aitken laid the ball back to Tom Henderson who forced a save from the keeper.

Full-Time:- Rangers 3 St.Mirren 0

Rangers Squad:- Grant Thackray (Gk), Jay Hogarth (Gk), Adam Devine, Aiden Berry, Leon King, Matthew Henderson, Robbie Fraser, Reegan Aitken, Lewis Robertson, Aaron Lyall, Adam Mansouri, Matthew Collins, Ben Duncan, Tom Henderson.

 

Rangers 2 St.Mirren 0

Next up was the under 17’s game with St.Mirren putting up stiff resistance although they never seriously troubled Nicky Hogarth in the Rangers goal. With Rangers leading by a solitary goal Josh McPake’s red card meant they had to play with ten men for the final twenty-five minutes. The game was made safe with a clinching second goal with twelve minutes remaining.

It took fully eighteen minutes before the game’s first real opportunity, Murray Miller combined with Kai Kennedy on the right and the latter’s through ball found Dapo Mebude who was denied when the keeper came from his line to block with his legs. Just after the half hour the St.Mirren keeper made a brave save at the feet of Kieran McKechnie as he chased a Josh McPake through ball.

On the stroke of half-time Kai Kennedy attacked the left side of the penalty area before shooting which the keeper saved at his near post.

Half-Time:- Rangers 0 St.Mirren 0

Rangers broke the deadlock on sixty-two minutes, the initial attack started on the right when Zack Butterworth passed to Dapo Mebude, his cutback picked out Josh McPake who was denied with a fine close range save from the keeper. The ball was cleared to the left hand angle of the box and when Ben Williamson met it on the half volley it was destined for the far top corner as soon as it left his foot. Three minutes later Rangers were reduced to ten men when Josh McPake received a second yellow and subsequent red card.

Rangers continued to look the most likely to add to the scoreline and when Jamie Walker played the ball forward on the left Zack Butterworth chased and won the ball on the byline with cross forcing the keeper to touch on to the bar. Rangers sealed the win with twelve minutes remaining, Zack Butterworth attacked the left side of the penalty area and went outside the full-back before sneaking a shot under the keeper at the near post.

Full-Time:- Rangers 2 St.Mirren 0

Rangers:- Nicky Hogarth; Nathan Patterson (Jay Mack 84 mins), Kyle McLelland, Harris O’Connor, Zack Butterworth; Murray Miller (Ben Williamson 49 mins); Ciaran Dickson, Josh McPake; Kieran McKechnie (Jamie Walker 59 mins), Dapo Mebude (John Balde 74 mins), Kai Kennedy.

Not Used:- Lewis Budinauckas (Gk), Ryan Muir, Euan Deveney.

 

16’s beat Queen’s Park

Rangers 4 Queen’s Park 0

In the latest of the informal U16 fixtures Rangers recorded a comfortable win over Queen’s Park, although the scoreline was possibly a little harsh on the Hampden youngsters.

It was the visitors who threatened first with an attack into the left side of the penalty area and the shot forced a decent save from Lewis Budinauckas. Rangers replied when a pass released Kieran McKechnie inside the right side of the box and it was the Queen’s keeper’s turn to keep the game goalless. 

Rangers took the lead on eleven minutes, Euan Deveney burst into the left side of the box and the keeper pushed his shot up into the air, he then reacted well to touch Cole McKinnon’s header onto the crossbar but was helpless when Matty Yates knocked the rebound into the net. Midway through the half it took a brave save at the feet of the Queen’s striker from Lewis Budinauckas to prevent an equaliser.

Within a couple of minutes Lewis Budinauckas was called into action again when he saved a free-kick from the right hand angle of the box at his near post. He surpassed those saves as the half entered the final ten minutes, a Queen’s Park attack took them deep into the Rangers box and Lewis Budinauckas produced a fine save at close range.

A minute before the break Matty Yates combined with the Trialist No. 10 to move the ball to Kieran McKechnie inside the right side of the penalty area and he forced a save from the Queen’s keeper. The ball was cleared from the box and picked up by Adam Devine wide on the right, from his cross Matty Yates showed great technique to control the ball on his chest and volley past the keeper.

There was still time for Rangers to add a third before the break, Darren Watterson laid the ball back into the path of Trialist No.10 who volleyed past the diving keeper’s right  hand and into the net.

Half-Time:- Rangers 3 Queen’s Park 0

The visitor’s came close to reducing the deficit in the opening minute of the second half when a free- kick was fired off the crossbar. Rangers were immediately back on the attack and when Trilaist No.10’s through ball released Matty Yates he was denied when the keeper blocked with his legs.

On sixty-five minutes John Balde won possession and passed to Matty Yates who’s shot from the edge of the box forced the keeper to dive to his left to save. Just before the final quarter-hour Queen’s Park attacked down the left and when the cross came in Jay Hogarth dived high to his right to touch the header onto the cross-bar.

Rangers response was an effort from Trialist No.10 on the right hand angle of the box that the keeper saved at his near post. The scoring was completed with two minutes remaining, Euan Deveney moved the ball forward to Darren Watterson on the left and his cross sailed over the keeper’s head on into the net of the far post.

Rangers 4 Queen’s Park 0

Rangers:- Lewis Budinauckas (Jay Hogarth HT); Adam Devine, Ally Monro, Jay Mack, Euan Deveney; Robbie Fraser (Rhys Caves HT); Cole McKinnon (Tom Henderson 62 mins), Trialist No. 10; Kieran McKechnie (John Balde HT), Matty Yates, Darren Watterson.

14’s Put Four Past Dons

Rangers 4 Aberdeen 1

Rangers Under 14’s recorded a deserved win over Aberdeen at Auchenhowie this afternoon. Although it has to be said the first two goal came from contentious penalties.

Rangers created the first opportunity on four minutes, Jack Scanlan won possession and played in Robbie Ure inside the right side of the penalty area but he shot narrowly wide of the far post. Four minutes later Dire Mebude went on a run cutting in from the right before playing a one-two with Jack Scanlan on the edge of the box, his shot deflected off a defender into the path of Robbie Ure who’s shot was blocked by the ‘Dons keeper’s left foot. The visitors settled and came more into the game although there wasn’t another clear chance in the opening period.

The second period was five minutes old when Rangers took the lead from the penalty spot. Dire Mebude attacked the right side of the box and played a one-two with Robbie Ure, he went down when the defender challenged as he was about to shoot and the referee rather harshly pointed to the spot, with Mackenzie Strachan sending the keeper the wrong way from the spot. Rangers next chance came when Gavin Gallagher’s pass sent Dire Mebude racing clear, but he was too casual in his attempt to chip the keeper who saved comfortably.

Two minutes later Robbie Ure was sent through and was clearly brought down by a defender, the referee pointed to the spot although the challenge appeared to be just outside the box, Mackenzie Strachan again made a competent job with the penalty. The visitors replied with an attack on the right and when the ball came into the box Jack McConnell made a superb save at close range and was quickly back on his feet to block the rebound.

Rangers first chance of the third period came just before the ten minute mark, it was built down the left where Sam Lovie combined with Leyton Dunlop,The ball was played inside to Robbie Ure who moved it on to Dire Mebude and his effort was tipped over by the keeper. Within a minute Robbie Ure played in Zac McKay who forced a save from the keeper diving to his left.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Jack Scanlan picked out Leyton Dunlop with a superb pass, when he got to the byline he rolled the ball across goal for Robbie Ure to knock the ball into the net. With three minutes remaining Sam Lovie broke down the left and played a one-two with Leyton Dunlop to break into the box and shoot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. There was still time for Aberdeen to grab the consolation goal they deserved, the attack came down the right and when the ball was cut back from the byline it was fired past Gregor McLeod.

Full-Time:- Rangers 4 Aberdeen 1

Rangers Squad:- Jack McConnell (Gk), Gregor McLeod (Gk), Kelsey Ewan, Harley Ewan, Logan Dunachie, Leyton Dunlop, Jack Harkness, Jack Scanlan, Mackenzie Strachan, Dire Mebude, Robbie Ure, Gavin Gallagher, Sam Lovie, Zac McKay.

Footnote:- At the same time Rangers U13’s lost to their Aberdeen counterparts, I think the score was 1-2.

Meanwhile in Aberdeen goal from Kai Kennedy & Dapo Mebude was enough for the U17’s to secure a 2-0 win. The Under 15’s drew 2-2.