Sunday 7th February 2010
The first friendly after the winter close saw Rangers 14s travel to Lesser Hampden for a 1.30pm KO. Like most teams the winter weather had hampered Queen’s training preparations but this was a game that would enhance fitness and sharpness duly welcomed by the players and coaches.
Queen's started the game well and were on the attack immediately from the kick off. From this early stage you could determine that Queen’s players were motivated to do well and were pressing as a team forcing Rangers possession to be limited.
Play was being played mostly in Rangers half and from a Connor McGuiness free kick Aiden Connolly ghosted in at the back post to header home.
This lead didn’t last long though as Rangers pushed forward on the right, some indecisive challenges followed and then a rash tackle in the box. Penalty! Rangers equalised.
To Queens’s credit they continued to control play and several goal opportunities followed. Craig Johnston however didn’t squander his opportunity. Very good build up play as Lawrence Shankland played a weighted penetrating pass into Aiden Connolly who drilled in a low cross for Craig to slide in to finish.
Queen's continued to have most of the play with Connor and Kyle Rafferty a driving force from midfield. Connor ran through into Rangers penalty box and was brought down, penalty was awarded and Connor dusted himself down only for Rangers keeper to save well.
Within minutes Queen's received another penalty as Craig was brought down by their keeper. Craig converted.
Craig completed his hat-trick as he ran onto a great through pass by Kieran Tolland.
Rangers did pull one back with a good finish over our keeper's head.
Queen’s coaches added "Today’s performance was very pleasing. We maintained a high standard throughout as our general play was composed and forward thinking. Our build up play for the goals was good today. A team performance".
Below are some pictures from the game. Click on the picture to see the slideshow. Move your mouse to the top right/left to move forward and back between the pictures.
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