January 17 2025 Match report: Kilmarnock 1-1 Rangers (Under 18s)
Kilmarnock’s Under 18s played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at home to Rangers.
Reuben Cooper opened the scoring for Killie before Gers captain Wyllie smashed home the equalizer.
Cole Burke had a good chance after 6 minutes as he dispossessed the Rangers defence – but his shot fizzed wide from the edge of the box.
Reuben Cooper was next with a chance as he cut in from the right to fire a shot from distance, but Rangers goalkeeper McGuire got down well to save.
Cooper went close again two minutes later, this time with a header at the back post, but unfortunately for the Number 8 it looped wide.
He was then rewarded for his efforts as he smashed a low effort into the goal on the 20th minute to make it 1-0 to the Ayrshire side.
Rangers Number 10 Gentles went very close with a powerful shot 10 minutes before half-time, but thankfully for Ben Coutts he watched it flash past the post.
The away side equalised on the stroke of half-time as captain Wyllie smashed home an effort from around 10 yards.
Killie striker Shay McKeown had a good chance after 53 minutes as he looked to restore the lead, but McGuire saved well.
A minute later, Killie goalkeeper Coutts pulled off a fantastic save from a vicious low shot from Rangers Number 17.
Samuel Duruh was unlucky not to score in the 75th minute as he drove in from the left wing – his low shot was well saved by McGuire.
Rangers had a golden opportunity to take the lead after 80 minutes when Number 10 Gentles was through on goal but he slotted narrowly wide.
Immediately on the break Killie’s Number 10 this time had a chance as Grant Marchant looked to turn a close range effort home but it was blocked out for a corner and from that set-piece Duncan Barlow smashed a shot on target, but again McGuire was equal to the effort.
Score: Kilmarnock 1-1 Rangers
Team: Coutts, Burgess, Gilmour, Spence, Barlow, Traynor, Davis, Cooper, McKeown (McMillan 88’), Marchant, Burke (Duruh 46’)
