U20: Motherwell 2-1 Rangers; Young Gers unlucky against defensive Steelmen

After a run of three consecutive wins, Rangers’ U20 side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Motherwell.

Graeme Murty’s side had much of the early play and had even won a free kick on the edge of the ‘Well area within 10 seconds of kick-off but couldn’t find a way through the dogged Steelmen back four.

Motherwell took the lead after 23 minutes when Jake Hastie had a stroke of luck as Dylan Falconer’s shot fell nicely for him and he smashed the ball home from 8 yards.

Rangers had a number of good chances in the first period with Jamie Barjonas TWICE denied by fantastic stops by Peter Morrison in the Motherwell goal. ONe came from 1 30-yard free-kick that was destined for the top corner but somehow Morrison scrambled across and cleared.

Both sides continued to test each other throughout the opening 45 with both keepers busy. Morrison was arguably the busier of the two but the young keeper done well to keep his side infront.

Motherwell then doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time when David Turnbull put the fired past Robbie McCrorie from 15 yards. Dom Thomas’ shot was blocked before it fell for Turnbull who cut inside before firing a great strike into the back of the net.

Rangers came out for the second half looking to get themselves back into the game and it only took ten minutes before Liam Burt gave his side a lifeline. Picking the ball up 25 yards from goal the talented midfielder drove forward unchecked before unleashing a low, right foot strike beyond Morrison.

The Young Gers were unfortunate not to get back on level terms when Andy Dallas, who replaced Ross Lyon on the 69th minute, saw his shot from the edge of the area deflected wide of the right-hand post.

Stephen Craigan’s side were more than happy to spoil the second half and sit deep without making any concerted effort to attack and, despite Rangers closing the gap to a single goal, heavy tackles and long balls were the order of the day. Maybe explains Craigan’s vehement opposition to Ian Cathro’s appointment as Hearts boss.

Motherwell: Morrison, Fry, Livingstone, Maguire, Armstrong, Campbell, Hastie, Turnbull, Mackin, Thomas, Falconer

Subs: Pettigrew, Scott, Watt, Agyemang

Goals: Hastie 23’, Turnbull 45’

Rangers: McCrorie, Houston, Beerman, Thomson, Bates, Wilson, Burt, Barjonas, Rudden, Gilmour, Lyon

Subs: Wright, Atayaki, Bradley, Jeffries, Dallas, Ashmore, Abaradan

Goals: Burt 55’