Rangers U19'S late win

[pete 2,499]

SUPER SUB Kal Naismith was the hero as his last gasp strike gave Rangers a vital win at Murray Park.

 

The champions, returning after the winter, were fortunate to go away will all three points following a below par performance from Billy Kirkwood's boys.

 

However. it was a welcome victory for the 19s to keep them on track to retain their title.

 

Rangers, although not at their best, had most of the pay. Fllowing a nice bit of link up play, on 13 minutes, down the right involving Archie Campbell and Darren Cole, the Englishman's cross lead to a chance for Jamie Ness on the edge of the box who saw his shot go wide.

 

Ten minutes later Ness again was involved when he laid of Craig McShea whose effort was saved low to his left by Conner Grant.

 

Moments later Dundee United's Scott Allan failed to test Arturs Vaiculis - the Rangers keeper easily gathering his shot from distance.

 

The Light Blues' best chance in the first half came with 8 minutes left on the clock. Campbell gathered the ball just inside the Dundee United box, skipping past Ross Smith before trying to round Grant who saved well low down at the feet of the Rangers hitman, the ball fell kindly for McShea - his shot though was tipped round the post from the resilient Grant.

 

Ness went on a solo run on 40 minutes beating his marker before playing in Isa Bagci - his tame shot, straight at Grant was easy enough for The Terrors keeper.

 

In stoppage time in the first half captain Ross Perry saw his effort cleared of the line following a Gregg Wylde corner.

 

In fairness neither side really took the initiative in the first and manager Billy Kirkwood was eager to see more from his young side in the second half.

 

After the break Rangers did come out with more intensity and thought in their build up play. In terms of possession they dominated - Dundee United failing to test Vaiculis at all in the second period. The Light Blues were pressing the ball a lot more but real goal scoring opportunities were still few and far between.

 

Fifteen minutes into the second half Stephen Stirling's corner found Bagci unmarked at the back post- uncertain whether to shoot or play the ball back across, he squandered a good opportunity as the ball sailed over.

 

Stirling then tried to take the initiative himself a few minutes later, his 35 yard strike was turned round the post by Grant.

 

On 75 minutes, Ness could have given Rangers the lead when he was found in the box - his shot however was nicely saved to his right by Grant.

 

Shortly after Kyle Hutton linked up with Max Wright playing a neat one-two but his shot from distance failed to trouble the Dundee United keeper.

 

Rangers continued to push forward as the game progressed but with just a minute left substitute Kal Naismith saved the day for Rangers. The youngster saw the ball drop to him in the crowded Dundee United box before turning and shooting from 6sixyards out into the bottom left hand corner of a helpless Grant's goal.

 

Rangers are now just one point behind Hibs in the league following their failure to beat St. Mirren yesterday just the start to the New Year Billy Kirkwood would have wanted - though he will be looking from more for his side as the season wears on.

 

Rangers:: 1. Vaiculis, 2. Cole, 3. Wylde, 4. Wilson , 5. Perry, 6. Ness, 7. Hutton, 8. Stirling, 9, Bagci, 10. Campbell, 11. McShea

 

Subs: 16. Grant, 12. Dick, 14. Hemmings, 15. Naismith, 17. Wright, 18. Forbes

[26th of foot 6,063]

First class report on a first class result.

 

Thank you.