A Step Too Far For Colts

Cove Rangers 5 Rangers 1

A tie against League One leaders Cove Rangers was a big step up from the Lowland League fixtures, which has generally produced positive results, and it proved a step too far. Its always a bit of an unknown how the League sides will approach these games, but Cove fielded a strong team, making only three changes from the team that drew with Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

A steady start to the game was essential but the Rangers youngsters found themselves two goals down after only five minutes. The opening goal came in the third minute, Lewis Budinauckas dived to his left to make a fine save from Harry Milne’s powerful strike from the edge of the box but was helpless as Fraser Fyvie pounced to net the rebound. Two minutes later Shay Logan was brought down as he broke in to the right side of Rangers penalty area for a clear penalty which was converted by Mitchel Megginson.

Rangers rallied to halve the deficit five minutes later, an initial shot was blocked but fell to Robbie Fraser who fired high past Kyle Gourlay. The optimism last four minutes when the home side restored their two goal lead, Blair Yule was the creator on the right and his centre picked out Jamie Masson who found the net via the keeper’s left hand post.

Lewis Budinauckas was called into to action on twenty-one minutes, at the end of a fine move Connor Scully’s twenty-five yarder saw the keeper leap to tip over. Rangers were then forced into a change, Kyle McClelland replacing the injured Lewis MacKinnon. Rangers replied with a good passing move of their own which ended with an Adam Devine cross from the right that Ross McCausland headed over.

Just beyond the half hour mark the home side carved out a few chances culminating in a fourth goal. Mitchel Megginson’s pass sends Blair Yule through on goal with Lewis Budinauckas advancing from his goal to block with his legs. The keeper was called into action within sixty seconds, Harry Milne breaking into the left side of the box and his shot was turned wide of the near post by the keeper.

In the next attack Cove scored a fourth, Harry Milne crossed from the left and Jamie Masson laid the ball back to Fraser Fyvie who found the net from just inside the box.

Half-Time:- Cove Rangers 4 Rangers 1

Rangers created the first chance of the second half when Adam Devine exchanged passes with Juan Alegria but his shot from the right hand angle of the box was straight at Kyle Gourlay. A clearance from the home keeper went over the Rangers defence and Fraser Fyvie was clear inside the right side of the box and was denied by Lewis Budinauckas who diverted the ball wide of his near post.

Harry Milne then picked up what would prove a costly yellow card for punching a cross into Rangers net. Less than ten minutes later the Cove defender received a second yellow and subsequent red card for a trip on Kane Ritchie-Hosler. Midway through the half Cove extended their lead, Ian Vigurs providing a superb through ball to send Leighton McIntosh clear to continue into the box and shoot past Lewis Budinauckas. The remainder of the game was only noted for a series of substitutions and Cove Rangers ran out comfortable winners to progress to the semi final.

Full-Time:- Cove Rangers 5 Rangers 1

Cove Rangers:- Kyle Gourlay; Shay Logan, Scott Ross (Ryan Strachan 69 mins), Morgyn Neill, Harry Milne; Connor Scully, Ian Vigurs; Blair Yule, Fraser Fyvie, Jamie Masson (Leighton McIntosh 65 mins); Mitchel Megginson ( Ola Adeyemo 75 mins).

Not Used:- Stuart McKenzie (Gk)

Rangers:- Lewis Budinauckas; Adam Devine. Lewis MacKinnon (Kyle McClelland 25 mins), Leon King (Kane Ritchie-Hosler HT), Robbie Fraser; Stephen Kelly; Cole McKinnon, Charlie McCann; Ross McCausland (Juan Alegria HT), Tony Weston (Chris McKee 87 mins), Alex Lowry.

Not Used:- Jay Hogarth (Gk), Murray Miller, Charlie Lindsay, Arron Lyall.