Kilsyth march on in Scottish

Easy first Scottish win for Rangers

Thornton Hibs............... 1

Kilsyth Rangers............. 3

Emirates Scottish Junior Cup Second round

THIS was a good win, and in the end, a relatively easy one for Rangers in their first game in this year's Scottish.

Despite being reduced to the bare bones of a squad by suspension and injury all eleven players on the park played with great spirit, and no little skill, to overcome their Fife opponents. They can await the third round draw with some confidence of making further progress in the competition.

Support

A good travelling support accompanied Rangers to the match and the game kicked off in bright sunshine although the pitch was very heavy in places due to the heavy rain of the past few days. It was Rangers who made the running right from the start and they soon had Thornton very much on the defensive. A freekick award gave Flannery a chance and his curving shot from almost thirty yards was only just on the wrong side of the post. Once again Joe Barclay was causing big problems to the opposing defenders and he was ably supported by McAteer who was making some good runs up the wings.

Breakthrough

Another freekick award saw Doyle hit a shot just over and it seemed only a matter of time before Rangers opened their account, However it was just five minutes from the interval when they finally got the breakthrough; Barclay put a good cross over for McAteer to net from six yards. Then almost on the stroke of half-time Carr supplied the ball for Flanner to grab a second with a fine shot on the turn.

Within two minutes of the restart the game was virtually ended as a contest when McGinty went up into the Thornton penalty area and fired home a third goal. The home side had hardly been in the game apart from a brief spell between Rangers first and second goals and now they appeared to give up the fight. Rangers continued to dominate the game and when Thornton went down to ten men after Hepburn received a second yellow card it was as good as over.

They did grab a consolation goal through sub, Carstairs, late in the game but it changed nothing; Rangers were through to the next round. A very much improved showing with every player pulling his weight, although perhaps David Barclay should receive a special mention for his work rate throughout the game. The draw for the third round will take place after next week's replays.

KILSYTH: Duke, McPeake, Carr, Doyle, McGinty, Kelly, Dolan, D Barclay, J Barclay, Flannery, McAteer Subs: Smith, Tough, Gannon, Tait.

THORNTON: Smith, Murray, Sheilds, Hannon, Mackay, Burns, Halley, Hepburn, Doig, Morgan, Thomson. Sub:. Adams, Carstairs, Drummond, Walker.