Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Rangers Under 20s v Stenhousemuir at Forthbank Stadium, Stirling on 17.08.16

Irn Bru Cup Second Round                  Att 324

Rangers Under 20s 1 [Hardie 62] Stenhousemuir 3 [McMenamin 7, Cook 38, Robby McCrorie og 57]

After a couple of narrow defeats on league duty it was back to cup action with a second round tie in the Irn Bru Cup. The Challenge Cup has changed drastically in format from last season as well as new sponsors there were a number of new teams in it as well. Throughout its existence it had been solely a competition for the teams out with the top division until a couple of seasons ago when there was also one club from the Lowland League and one from the Highland League as well. Both the Highland and Lowland Leagues saw their representation climb to four clubs each and they were joined by the Premiership Under 20 teams. At the last 16 stage 2 clubs from Wales and Northern Ireland join as well with the TV coverage now extending to these countries and hence a larger prize pot albeit divided by many more clubs.

The League One clubs came in at the second round so this was Stenhousemuir’s first in the competition. It was always going to be interesting to see how the Under 20 clubs faired against their more experienced counterparts and going into this games Rangers were hoping to match Celtic who the previous day had became the only team from the development league to advance to the third round.

For Stenhousemuir this was a potential banana skin and many expected the Warriors to slip up with Rangers being the favourites with the bookies. The Warriors have not had a good time of late but they put that aside to

Produce a professional performance and ran out winners by a 3-1 score line.

They took the lead in the 7^th minute when Colin McMenamin rose above the Rangers defence to head an Alan Cook cross into the net. Stephen Stirling then dragged a shot wide. It was not to be a one sided affair though and the most experienced of the Rangers team Ryan Hardie who is on loan to St.Mirren showed his potential with a strong run that was cleared for a corner but the warning signs were there. The home side’s Zak Rudden brought Colin McCabe into action in the 22^nd minute with the keeper saving low down. Another Hardie run created a chance for Rudden but his shot was deflected wide. A minute later McMenain headed a Cook cross wide from close range and this was followed by a Mark Gilhaney effort that was blocked for a corner. Jordan Thompson who is on loan at Raith Rovers almost equalised with a 22 yard effort that almost squirmed under the body of McCabe. In the 38^th minute Stenhousemuir scored their second when Stirling rolled the ball with the sole of his foot into the path of Cook at a free kick and he tucked the ball into the net.

Rangers made a couple of changes at half time but Stenhousemuir started the stronger team and McMenamin will have felt that he should have done better when he powered a shot wide when he had a clear sight at goal. In the 57^th minute the Warriors scored their third goal when Cook brushed past Liam Burt who went down after being caught accidently by a hand. The referee waived play on and Cook fired a long range effort that struck the crossbar before hitting Robby McCrorie and going into the net. The colts reduced the deficit through Hardie who tapped in from close range. Hardie had a chance to get another just before the end but headed straight at McCabe. The final whistle blew though with Stenhousemuir victorious for the first time in competition this season and were reward with an away tie to Queen of the South in the next round

Rangers Colts – Robby McCrorie, Lyon [b80], Gray [Wilson h/t], Barjonas [ Dallas h/t], Ross McCrorie, Bradley, Burt [Gibson 72], Jeffries, Hardie, Thompson and Rudden. Subs not used – Wright, Jamieson, Ashmore and Kelly.

Stenhousemuir – McCabe, McCormack, Hamilton, Meechan, Kerr, Berry, Millar [b54], Stirling [Sinclair 50][b56], McMenamin [Smith 72], Gilhaney and Cook [b71][McCroary 85]. Subs not used – Nash, Howarth, Runciman and McMaster. 

Referee – Grant Irvine            Assistants – Ralph Gordon and Garry Farmer