Rangers' string of defeats continues in the new year

Neilston Juniors 2Kilsyth Rangers 1Stagecoach West of Scotland Super League First Division

THIS was very much a case of taking up where they had left off before the enforced winter break for Rangers.

Their run of defeats continued at lowly Neilston, currently sitting bottom of the league table.

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However, unless the problem of losing goals so cheaply is addressed the positions could soon be reversed. Again they went behind to soft goals and although Neilston were just hanging on at the finish it was a case of too little, too late.

The Neilston pitch looked in good condition after the big freeze and the game kicked off in cold, but clear and calm weather. Opening exchanges were fairly even. Andy McGinty was first to try his luck in front of goal, but his shot was high. There were early signs of Rangers' defensive frailties when a good move by Neilston gave them a great chance. The ball did end up in the net, but offside was given.

The home side were definitely having the better of it over the next few minutes and another effort which looked netbound was deflected for a corner.

Dalrymple made a good run down the left but his effort was blocked.

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Then just after the half hour mark Neilston's Hobbs got on to a long forward pass and ran in to score with a shot to the far corner of the net. Waters had a chance to equalise shortly after but his header from close in was over the bar. Almost on the half-time whistle and Neilston made it two when Christie received the ball in the penalty area and beat Dukes with a cracking shot.

From the restart it was Neilston who were looking to add to their advantage and had several good chances. Rangers did eventually come back into it and Waters had a couple of chances which really he should have done better with and after 12 minutes he was substituted by Williamson, followed shortly by Kelly coming on for Tough.

This did produce some improvement in Rangers' play going forward and for the first time in the match Neilston were on the defensive for long periods. A long free-kick in from the left touchline into a crowded Neilston penalty area was missed by everyone except Chris Zok who met the ball with a diving header to pull Rangers back into the game.

Neilston were now indulging in blatant time wasting tactics which were going unpunished by the referee, although there was still around 20 minutes remaining.

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It was not all Rangers though and Dukes had to pull off a great save to keep the margin at just one goal. Zok had a half chance but shot staight to the keeper.

Towards the end Neilston made a double substitution and Rangers replaced Carr with Tony Martin, making his comeback after a lengthy spell out through injury.

Then with the game well into added time came the most controversial moment of the match. Zok ran in on the Neilston keeper, rounded him and was blatently upended as he was about to tap the ball to the net. The decision by the ref was a yellow card for a dive in the penalty area, and despite vigourous protests there was no going back. A bad result but really it was a deserved win for Neilston, Rangers must stiffen up a shaky defence if they are to climb out of this position.

KILSYTH: Duke, Scott, Carr, Doyle, Murray, McGinty, Waters, McPeake, Zok, Tough, Dalrymple. Subs. Kelly, Williamson, Martin, Murray, O'Boyle.

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NEILSTON: Wilson, Crilly, Eadie, Whiteford, Chesney, Mawuenas, Christie, Bonnar, Cameron, Hobbs, Queen. Subs, Morrison, Armour, Blair, Forsyth, McFarlane, Kennedy, McCafferty.

Game this Saturday, home to Ashfield, league match, kick-off 1.45pm.

J.F.

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