Match report

Match report

The round 3 U16 match between Rangers and Stirling United kicked off in chilly and slightly damp conditions at Ashton Oval. Stirling United, still recovering from a bruising encounter with Hahndorf last weekend, could only manage to field 10 players for the match. The first quarter of an hour saw the ball go back and forth between the midfields, before the first real chance came from a nice cross from Toby Leigh, followed by a shot from Henry Monaghan that went just wide. Shortly after, a nicely controlled header from Tom Harris allowed Monaghan to cut inside and strike a lovely shot from the edge of the box into the top left corner to give Stirling the lead.

Rangers quickly countered with their best chance of the match so far, but the Stirling defence managed to close it down. Stirling central defender Emily Bouchereau, playing against her old side for the first time, made a spirited run through the centre of the field, getting past multiple defenders before a final challenge from Rangers prevented her scoring with the ball going behind. Jye Shore placed the resulting corner perfectly, allowing Harris to tickle the ball into the goal with his left foot, leaving Stirling with a two goal lead going in to half time.

Rangers returned to the field with renewed purpose, driving forward from the kick off and drawing an immediate save from Lachlan Stein in goal for Stirling. After some end to end play, a brilliant through ball from midfield allowed Riley Smith to take the ball and find the back of the net with a lovely finish. Rangers continued to press, with Joseph Bellamy having another big chance but his shot went over the top. Stirling United managed to get some control of the game back in the latter stages, and despite obviously tiring, held on in a tight match to win 2-1.