Kilmarnock 1 - 0 Rangers
(SPL Under 21 match - Rugby Park, 11th August 2003, 2.00pm Kick Off)

A healthy crowd of 523 turned up at Rugby Park for the first Under 21 league fixture of the season. Killie fielded two trialists, Dubordeau in goals and Canadian U20 international midfielder Rhian Dodds who has been training with us for a few weeks. The press were out in fair numbers as Rangers fielded new signings Henning Berg and Nuno Capucho, no surprise there then!

Sean Dillon was the first name on everyone's lips as he got booked in the opening minute for a crunching tackle on Burke. Rangers could have grabbed the lead in the third minute when Capucho was through on goal but he pulled his shot weakly wide. Murray was looking lively and a perfect cross from the left was met by Hardie whose header was very well saved by McGregor.

Killie were gradually gaining control and had a penalty claim turned down in 26 minutes when a Murray free kick struck an arm. Murray was causing problems again on the half hour mark and again he found Hardie who headed straight at the keeper. Five minutes later and Murray sent in a lovely cross that was glanced narrowly wide by McSwegan.

Rangers had a half chance when a Burke cross flew across the face of the goal but it was Killie who went ahead a minute before the break. A corner was fumbled by McGregor and McSwegan lashed the ball high into the net from eight yards.

Rangers came out in the second period looking hungry for an equaliser and had a few chances in the opening minutes. Brighton had a powerful shot well saved by Dubordeau then Duffy lobbed it into the goalie's arms when in on goal. Brighton was causing problems with his strong runs and was again foiled when another low drive was blocked by the keeper's legs.

Killie then went looking for a killer second but a good turn and cross from McSwegan found no takers. Hardie tried his luck from 25 yards before McSwegan missed a glorious chance. Nish collected after McGregor spilled a cross and fed McSwegan whose shot from 10 yards hit the inside of the post and was cleared.
Killie held on for a win they just about deserved.

Dillon, McLaughlin and Murray played well for Killie whilst Brighton was best for the visitors. The trialist keeper played well whilst the Canadian midfielder looked very comfortable on the ball although may be lacking a bit of pace for the top level - I'm sure JJ knows better than me. 

Kilmarnock: Trialist, Canning, Dillon (McGuinness 50), McLaughlin, McGregor, Hardie (Gilroy 87), McDonald, Nish, McSwegan, Trialist, Murray
Subs (not used): Samson, Naismith, Masterton

Rangers: McGregor, Hutton (Fortunato 36), Brighton, Dowie, Berg, Gibson, Burke, Hughes, Duffy (McCormack 75), Capucho (Adam 61), Smith
Subs (not used): White, McLeod

Match report © Sandy Armour
Match Photos © Sandy Ferguson