St.Mirren U 21's - v - Rangers U 21's - SPL Under 21 League: Date 6/11/00

There's not a lot to be said about this match...at least not in an "official" match report.

For the majority of the first half it seemed as if St.Mirren were going to ride their luck as Rangers seemed to have forgotten how to get a shot on target. Saints even managed to take the lead with a fine, 9th minute, goal by David Jack. Jack took the ball in his stride before lobbing the Rangers keeper from around 18 yards. At this point it did look like Saints were going to take something more from this game. The Rangers goal came as a result of a dubious free kick award in the 37th minute, the finish by Negri was impressive although the wall could maybe be questioned on this occasion. The other main chances came when Joe McLaughlin cleared off his own line and Tom Brown had a shot saved by the keeper. Brown's effort was probably easier to score after some abysmal defending, but lack of match practice may have been a reason for his miss. The only real other incident to note in the first half was the limping off of Paul McKnight. Paul limped off in the 17th minute and from reports it looks like it's his hamstring again.

The second half saw a Rangers intent on destruction and probably a Rangers who'd just received a roasting during the interval. From the stand it looked all Rangers and on the park the defenders probably wondered if someone had thrown on an extra football. Rangers had numerous chances during the second half and it was only some poor finishing which stopped Marco Negri getting a hat full. Joe Nellis also made a few saves, though in matches as one sided as this was it's always a thankless task for any goalkeeper.

The four Rangers second half goals came as follows:

51st minute: Marco Negri clips the ball over the keeper.
58th minute: Malcom scored after the ball somehow avoided the grasp of Joe Nellis.
63rd minute: Paul MacDonald came on, Paul MacDonald scored after a ball was played across the box.
71st minute: Carson scored.

Tom Brown did come close for Saints during the second spell with a header, but the only real other highlight of the half was Jens Paeslack winning a header.

Full time came and even the crumbs of comfort evaded Saints.

Man Of The Match: Joe McLaughlin would be my choice as his experience shone threw and he made a fine goal-line clearance.