Rangers U18s 2-0 Aberdeen U18s
Club Academy Scotland U18 Elite League
Rangers Training Centre
Friday 4th April
Manager Scott Anderson made one alteration to his starting line-up from Aberdeen’s 4-2 loss to St Mirren last time out, with Fraser Mackie coming in to replace Sam McLean on a sun-blessed afternoon in the north side of Glasgow.
Despite the young Dons applying some early pressure on the hosts, Rangers emerged 2-0 victors thanks to goals from Callum Burnside and Christopher Eadie.
Report
Aberdeen looked to have penetrated Rangers’ backline early on, although Fraser Mackie was adjudged to be offside as he ran through on goal.
Moments later, the flag then evaded The Dons once more, with Joseph Teasdale finding the back of the net, only for it to be disallowed.
With their first chance of the game, however, Rangers took the lead. Callum Burnside was played in behind the visiting defence and calmly slotted the ball past Rodrigo Vitols.
As Aberdeen sought a quick response, they built the play well and won a few set pieces. Teasdale found himself free on the left-hand side but saw his cross go straight into the arms of Rydnn McGuire.
Burnside then tested Vitols from the edge of the box, but the visiting skipper held well as Rangers looked to double their money. He was then called into action a few moments later to keep the score at 1-0.
Burnside remained a constant threat for the hosts and threatened to put Rangers two in front on the half-hour mark. His effort, though, dragged just wide of the near post.
Alexander Smith was the next to try his luck for Rangers. Vitols came up with a terrific one-handed save to deny the Rangers number 10 from close range.
Just prior to the break, Burnside thought he had his second of the afternoon. The winger beat Vitols one-on-one but made his run far too early.
Half-time: Rangers 1-0 Aberdeen
In the infancy of the second half, Lewis Stewart broke through for Rangers. His effort flashed just wide of Vitols’ goal as the hosts came out with intent.
Burnside then threatened not long after, also failing to hit the target by a matter of millimetres.
Ellis Clark then defended well as Aiden McCallion drove forward from midfield, the Aberdeen man putting in a crucial defensive tackle inside his own box.
Rangers’ pressure at the beginning of the second 45 was mounting and it paid off on 56 minutes. Striker Christopher Eadie was sent through and rounded Vitols, before finishing into an empty net to make it 2-0.
The hosts continued to dominate the ball after going in front despite a brief spell of Aberdeen pressure in which opposition goalkeeper Rydnn McGuire wasn’t tested.
The Dons then made a quartet of changes with just under 20 minutes to go, with boss Anderson looking to find a way back into the game as the closing stages approached.
The alterations did spark some life into Aberdeen. Teasdale continually threatened and saw his effort from the edge of the area deflect just over the bar. From the resultant corner, however, Rangers were awarded a free kick inside their own area.
Three minutes of additional time were then played out as the hosts emerged 2-0 victors.
Full-time: Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen
Rangers: McGuire, Kerr, Lyle Wark, Wyllie, Campbell, McCallion, Stewart, Adamson, Eadie, Smith, Burnside.
Substitutes: Halliwell, Hynd, Caldwell, Goodbrand, Fernie, Hutchison, Christie.
Goals: Burnside 15’, Eadie 56’.
Bookings: Kerr 52’.
Aberdeen: Vitols, Ross (Green 72’), Carrol, Henderson, Clark (Payne 72’), Masson, Mackie (Cummings 72’), Teasdale, Searle (Stephen 72’), To, McDonnell.
Substitutes not used: Douglas.
