Rangers no match for classy Rob Roy

RANGERS' winning streak came to an abrupt end at Adamslie on Saturday where they went down by three goals to a strong Rob Roy side who must now be considered favourites to go through to the next stage of the competition.

Rangers were the better side in the first half but two goals in a minute by Feroz midway through the second half effectively ended it as a contest. However, it was a good showing against an established Premier league side who are expected to make a strong challenge for honours this year.

After a good opening few minutes from the Rabs, Rangers came back strongly, playing some good passing football and McAteer and Barclay were meeting chances but the finishing touch was just lacking.

Both sides were having chances, Barclay proving to be a thorn in the flesh for the home defence while Dukes had to make a couple of good stops to keep a clean sheet at the other end. Tough was yellow carded for a foul just outside the box but the resulting free-kick was well off target.

Towards half-time Rangers stepped up the pressure and made a few good openings but the goal that might have changed the game just would not come.

Rangers continued their good form for the opening few minutes of the second period, but gradually Rob Roy midfield got a grip and they began to dominate the game. Dukes had a fine double save, the second from ex-Ranger, Michael Hughes, but it was midway through the half before they made the breakthrough. Feroz met a good cross ball from the right to send a bullet header past Dukes. He got his second within a minute, this time he had little involvement other than to get in the way of a strike which took a deflection off him into the net.

Hughes was replaced by another ex-Kilsyth player, Zok, but it was Feroz who continued to pose the main threat, having another good effort blocked.

With six minutes left Zok sealed it with an easy goal, when he rounded the Kilsyth keeper to tap the ball in giving a scoreline which was a harsh reflection on Rangers part in the match.

The final game in the section is against Dunipace tonight (Wednesday) and should give a good indication of how the league campaign might go.

KILSYTH: Dukes, Doyle, D. Waters, Tough, McGinty, McLellan, Scott, McPeake, J. Barclay, McAteer, Carr. Subs: Gannon, Dollan, D. Barclay, Smith, Kelly, Tait.

ROB ROY: Wilson, Carter, Sheridan, Lennox, McGregor, Carberry, Dunlop, Sinclair, Feroz, Hughes, Mackay. Subs: Gow, Zok, Martin, Upton, Morrison, Wardle.

This Saturday's game is away league match against Shettleston Juniors. Kick-off is 2pm.