No defence for Rangers’ loss

Shotts Bon Accord 1

West Region Super League First Division

RANGERS opened their league campaign at home to one of the favourites to take the First Division title, Shotts Bon Accord.

They have proved to be one of Rangers’ bogey teams in recent years and once again they failed to score a victory, going down by the only goal of the game.

Whilst the early loss of centre back Chris Reid was a big blow, Shotts were probably the stronger team over the piece and just deserved their win.

Disaster for Rangers struck within the first five minutes with Reid injured in the first Shotts attack and, despite lengthy on-field treatment from the medics, had to be carried off.

A visit to hospital confirmed a broken bone and other injuries and he will be out for a lengthy period of time.

Craig Hughes came on to take the position.

McLaughlin made a great run into the home penalty area and tested Duke, making his return for Rangers, with a good effort.

Play was fairly even and on the twenty minute mark Joe Barclay was very unlucky with a great first time shot which cannoned off of a defender, otherwise it was netbound.

Barclay was proving a real threat to the Shotts defence with some fine play, but in fairness McLaughlin was proving to be equally so for the visitors.

No scoring at half-time although there had been a few near things at both ends.

From the restart Shotts began to take control of the game and just on the hour mark it was dangerman McLaughlin who eventually made the breakthrough with a good solo effort - running through the home defence and shooting passed Duke.

Rangers seemed very lethargic and a change was made with Dolan coming on for Dalrymple.

Shortly afterwards McAteer came on for McEwan and although Rangers came more in to the match it was still Shotts who were in control.

There were a few bookings made and Shotts also made several changes of personnel, but they were not in the mood to surrender their lead easily.

Even with the advantage of the breeze behind them, Rangers were getting few balls in to the Shotts area until the game entered added time and an onslaught was launched.

The best of the efforts coming almost on the whistle, from Callum Scott, whose fine thirty yard effort was only just held by Murdoch in the Shotts goal.

Too little, too late, the points were gone, and now the hunt resumes at Cumbernauld next week.

KILSYTH: Duke, Scott, Waters, Doyle, Reid, McLennan, Kelly, Nimmo, Barclay, McEwan, Dalrymple.

Subs: Hughes, McAteer, Hughes, Dolan, Kidd.

SHOTTS: Murdoch, Finnigan, Burns, Wharton, Ferguson, Boyack, Hanlon, Williamson, Myles, McLaughlin, McKenna.

Subs: Fleming, Watson, Sideserf, Kerr, McStay.

Game next Saturday, away to Cumbernauld United, K.O. 2pm.