Rangers U-20s 4 - 0 Stirling University: Gers young guns advance

Rangers cruised past Stirling University to book their place in the Irn-Bru Cup second round against Stenhousemuir with a 4-0 success at Forthbank, with the scoring over and done with by half-time.

Ryan Hardie celebrates after scoring. Picture: SNS

The opening goal came after just six minutes and it was a cracker, Josh Jefferies accepting a touch by Liam Burt and then hitting home a terrific shot from 25 yards.

Rangers doubled their advantage on 18 minutes when two of their players who are gaining experience on loan at Championship sides combined. Josh Thomson, who joined Raith Rovers last week, released Ryan Hardie, who is with St Mirren, and the striker easily netted past Tim Hughes in Stirling’s goal.

Jefferies added a third with another long-distance shot on 26 minutes.

Burt got in on the act two minutes later when he tapped home a Zak 
Rudden cutback.

Hughes saved a thumping effort by Burt at the start of the second half, while Jefferies missed a great chance to complete a hat-trick 12 minutes from time. Andrew Dallas was fouled in the box, but Jefferies sent the resultant penalty over the bar.