RANGERS B Team are still learning within the Lowland League after this afternoon’s 2-1 defeat against East Kilbride at K-Park.
A first half goal from Tony Weston wasn’t enough to secure any points in the league campaign as Chris Aitken’s side managed to equalise and then grab the winning goal in the second half.
Jay Hogarth started in goals with a backline of Leon King, Adam Devine, Robbie Fraser and Kyle McClelland in front him.
Murray Miller, Alex Lowry and Cole McKinnon were in the midfield, with Juan Alegria, Tony Weston and Charlie McCann up front for the young Gers.
Despite the testing weather conditions, both sides started with intent and high intensity in the opening minutes of the game, looking to break through into each other’s final third. East Kilbride had a couple opportunities to make an early breakthrough, but the young Gers remained calm and were able to deal with the home side’s efforts.
However, it was Alex Lowry who nearly opened the scoring during those early exchanges, after a superb free-kick strike from the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Brennan was able to get an arm to it.
The Light Blues began to build momentum from this when McCann picked the ball up from the halfway line and made an excellent run forward, advancing into the East Kilbride final third. The youngster took a low, powerful shot, but it fell just wide of the left-hand post.
Tony Weston then opened the scoring for the B team in the 21st minute after great build up play from the young Gers. Robbie Fraser made a great run down the left side and picked the ball up at the front post. He did well to pick out Weston in a congested box and cut the ball back to him. The youngster was able to find some space and calmly slotted it past Brennan to give Gers a deserved lead.
Only a few moments later, Weston nearly found his double. Fraser and Lowry linked up well down the right side to threaten the home side’s backline. Lowry deftly weaved his way past a few defenders before delivering a lovely ball across the face of goal. Weston made a running effort to the back post but was just unable to connect with the cross.
The B team fell into their rhythm following this, remaining patient on the ball, whilst dominating possession to create several chances to further their lead.
On 39 minutes, Devine made an excellent run down the right side to further pressurise the backline, before delivering another dangerous ball to the waiting Weston at the edge of the box. The youngster fired it low towards Alegria at the back post, but the Colombian couldn’t steer it towards goal.
The youngsters started positively as the second half began, looking for another goal to extend their first half lead.
East Kilbride were then reduced to 10 men after Stevenson was sent off by the referee a few minutes into the second half.
Charlie McCann created a real opportunity after executing a powerful strike towards the top right-hand corner, but Brennan made a diving effort to deny the Light Blues the second of the afternoon.
This seemed to stir East Kilbride into action, and they managed to gain the equalising goal. McLaughlin found himself near the back post and struck the ball with power, with Jay Hogarth just unable to get an arm to it.
Chris Erskine found the second for the home side in the 76th minute. Erskine advanced forward to challenge Hogarth and chipped it over the keeper to hit the back of the net.
The B team continued to work hard to find the equalising goal, and it was Leon King who came close after his powerful strike at the edge of the box was sent just over the crossbar.
RANGERS: Hogarth, Devine, King, McClelland, Fraser, Miller (McCausland, 70), Lowry, McKinnon, McCann, Alegria (McKee, 76), Weston (Lyall, 61).
UNUSED SUBS: Budinauckas, MacKinnon, Lindsay
EAST KILBRIDE: Brennan, Stevenson, Wylde, Old, Saunders, Blair (Malcolm, 86), McManus (Owens, 54), McLaughlin, Stainrod (Finlay, 70), Erskine, Elliot
UNUSED SUBS: Millar, Miller, Kenny, Orr.