YOUTH TEAM OPENS DEFENCE OF CUP WITH WIN

Last updated : 03 November 2002 By Grandmaster Suck

Rangers began their defence of the Scottish Youth Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over Civil Service Strollers in Edinburgh this afternoon.

A young Rangers team ­ even at youth level ­ found conditions difficult with a badly rutted ground at the Civil Service Sports Ground, Muirhouse, but took an early lead with a tenth minute goal when John McDonald headed home a Daniele Fortunato free-kick.

The expected goal rush failed to materialise in front of perhaps 200 spectators in what was a disappointing game.

McDonald added a second however in 37 minutes when he created space for himself inside the penalty area before firing a left-foot drive home.

Rangers clearly had the game won, but failed to underline their superiority for much of the second-half with an uninspiring display.

Chris McLeod ­ Youth Team Captain ­ headed home Goal Number Three in 72 minutes from a Fortunato cut-back.

The Italian was the outstanding player afield, and once again he it was who laid on the fourth goal in 81 minutes with a pass to substitute Ben Stevens who crashed the ball home from a tight angle.

Team: White; Campbell, Coyle; Fortunato, McLeod, Walker (Dick 79); McLean (Dale 84), Watson, McDonald, Brighton, Hodge (Stevens 68)