Kilsyth still dropping points

THIS was the second time in three days that Rangers have gone down, rather unluckily, to the two promotion-chasing teams and again they could easily have taken at least a point if things had gone just a little in their favour.

Missing a couple of players who might have made all the difference they put up a brave fight but the defensive failings that have cost them so dearly all season are still evident and it will now take a miracle to escape the drop.

Cumnock had the advantage of a stiff breeze for the first forty-five minutes and they made it work to their advantage with long balls over the home defence.

But although they had plenty of territorial supremecy their finishing was weakened and O'Boyle was seldom troubled with the exception of a very good wind-assisted freekick which he tipped over for a corner.

It settled down to a hard midfield battle for the most part and there seemed little prospect of the deadlock being broken before half-time.

The only moment a goal looked likely happened as a result of a controversial decision when McMenamin was downed going into the Rangers penalty area for which, after consultation with his assistant, the referee gave a freekick right on the eighteen yard line.

At the whistle, Rangers went in level looking forward to the prospect of having the wind advantage in the second period.

David Waters came on for Martin shortly after the interval and Rangers were enjoying much more of the play at this point.

Then, just on the hour mark, McJimpsey set out on a run and beat several defenders before lashing a great shot past Fahey from ten yards to put Rangers ahead.

It was shortlived though, within a couple of minutes some sloppy defending let Cumnock in and a shot from wide left hit the inside of the post and the rebound was met by McMenamin who levelled with an easy shot.

Three minutes later and Cumnock were ahead; the home defence stood off as Wilson waltzed through and fired in a second goal.

It was a familiar story and although Rangers tried to fight back Cumnock had the upper hand again and held off the Rangers best efforts for the rest of the game.

Seven matches left, but unless there is a sudden and dramatic change of fortune, it already looks all over.

KILSYTH: O'Boyle, Scott, Carr, Doyle, Murray, McJimpsey, Martin, Bowers, Dalrymple, Neville, Kelly. Subs: D. Waters, L. Waters, Wiliamson, McGinty, McPeake.

CUMNOCK: Fahey, Galloway, Moore, Wild, Murray, McDonald, Gordon, Moan, Tyler, Wilson, McMenamin. Subs: Cashmore, Stuart, Campbell, McMillan, Barr.

Rutherglen Glencairn 4

Kilsyth Rangers 3

AT last there might be some light at the end of the tunnel for the long-suffering Rangers fans.

This might not have been the win which would have set them on the road to a continued presence in the Superleague but it was most definitely a much better performance than had been the case recently.

Only a very late goal by Glencairn denied them the share of the points they at least deserved.

A bright start by Rangers, some good interplay between Scott and Dalrymple had the latter finish with a good erffort which was not far off target.

However it was back to business as usual when McDougall fired Glencairn into a nine minute lead with a good shot from ten yards.

McGinty limped off after only fifteen minutes with McPeake replacing him but Rangers were not out of it by any means and were awarded a penalty kick for handball which Doyle converted to restore equality.

It was a very even game now but with five minutes left till halftime McPeake also had to go off and L Waters replaced him.

Almost on the half-time whistle and again a mix-up in the Rangers defence let Fraser run in unopposed to put Glencairn ahead once again.

Only five minutes after the restart and it was Glencairn's turn for a penalty; again it was handball and O'Keane put them two ahead.

Normally Rangers would have wilted, but they continued to press forward and when Scott was downed running into the box yet another penalty was given; Doyle scored with his second spot-kick of the night and it was game on again.

Paul McLaughlin was sent to the pavilion for a double yellow card and the homesters were down to ten men.

With ten minutes remaining, a cornerkick for Rangers allowed Doyle to get up for his third goal of the night.

With the scent of victory now in their nostrils Rangers pressed forward for a winner and had a couple of good chances but it was a freekick for Glencairn in the dying minutes which proved decisive.

Jamie Prunty's delivery curled right into the goalmouth and Barr got up to head the ball onto the far post from where it ended up in the net.

The point which might have helped Rangers start their climb back up the table was gone, but it was a performance which brought some hope nevertheless.

KILSYTH RANGERS: O'Boyle, Scott, Carr, Doyle, Murray, McJimpsey, Kelly, Martin, Dalrymple, McGinty, Trialist. Subs: L. Waters, Neville, D. Waters, Wiliamson, McPeake, Bowers.

RUTHERGLEN GLENCAIRN: Black, Hadden, Barr, Prunty, O'Keane, Dickson, McArdle, Hopkins, McLaughlin, McDougall, Fraser. Subs: McGladrigan, Kane, Barker, McShane, Dale, McNeil.

Game this Saturday away to Carluke Rovers in a Central League Cup, first-round tie. Kick-off 2 pm.