DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | RANGERS (A)
25th November 2024
Tonight's re-scheduled SFA Youth Cup Semi Final at home to Queen of the South kicks off at 7.30pm and admission via the Jerry Kerr Stand is free.
The prize is a place in the Final against Celtic who defeated St Mirren 4-1 in the other Semi Final.
But before being able to contemplate any Hampden date, there is the not insignificant matter of surmounting the hurdle that the Dumfries youngsters present.
They may not have met Premier opposition en route to the Final, but Coach Stevie Campbell is in no way under-estimating them. He said: "First time I saw them, they drew 4-4 with Alloa and that result tells an awful lot about them. Whilst very good from middle to front, they aren't as impressive defensively.
"However, I also watched them defeat Montrose and although they had a man sent off after only 25 minutes, they still controlled the game comfortably.
"So it isn't going to be easy and we only need reflect on how hard Edinburgh City made it for us in the second round to serve as a warning against any complacency.
"After that we went on to beat Rangers at Ibrox, beating them 3-1 after extra-time - the result of the season so far - and, in my opinion, well deserved.
"Another tricky tie followed at Falkirk, particularly as some of them play in the first team, an example being Ally Graham who scored their equaliser in the League Cup win against us.
"It took a really good defensive performance to keep us in the tie, but as the game went on, we got stronger and showed our true colours in extra-time to edge them out by the odd goal in three after extra-time.
"Although drawn away to Livingston in the quarter-finals, fortunately the game ended up being switched to Tannadice.
"Which was a real bonus, because we knew it would be tough against a side that had only lost once all season. And we soon found out why as we went in 1-0 down at half-time.
"But the boys battled back, scoring four quick goals from which, in the end, they could only pull one back.
"It has been a great run and drawing Queen of the South gives the lads an opportunity to make it to the Final at Hampden!"
Stevie won't have midfielder Darren Petrie available due to suspension. In addition, keeper Philip Anderson and right-back Ross Gilmour are missing due to international call-ups.
On the plus side, Stevie can bring in Marc McCallum in goal as he is still eligible for the Under-19s, having returned from his loan stint with Forfar Athletic.
So hopefully as many Arabs as possible will come along tonight and cheer the lads on to go through. And whoever wins won't have too many sleepless nights worrying about the final against Celtic because that takes place at Hampden Park on Monday 23 April 2012. Kick - off 7.30pm!
The prize is a place in the Final against Celtic who defeated St Mirren 4-1 in the other Semi Final.
But before being able to contemplate any Hampden date, there is the not insignificant matter of surmounting the hurdle that the Dumfries youngsters present.
They may not have met Premier opposition en route to the Final, but Coach Stevie Campbell is in no way under-estimating them. He said: "First time I saw them, they drew 4-4 with Alloa and that result tells an awful lot about them. Whilst very good from middle to front, they aren't as impressive defensively.
"However, I also watched them defeat Montrose and although they had a man sent off after only 25 minutes, they still controlled the game comfortably.
"So it isn't going to be easy and we only need reflect on how hard Edinburgh City made it for us in the second round to serve as a warning against any complacency.
"After that we went on to beat Rangers at Ibrox, beating them 3-1 after extra-time - the result of the season so far - and, in my opinion, well deserved.
"Another tricky tie followed at Falkirk, particularly as some of them play in the first team, an example being Ally Graham who scored their equaliser in the League Cup win against us.
"It took a really good defensive performance to keep us in the tie, but as the game went on, we got stronger and showed our true colours in extra-time to edge them out by the odd goal in three after extra-time.
"Although drawn away to Livingston in the quarter-finals, fortunately the game ended up being switched to Tannadice.
"Which was a real bonus, because we knew it would be tough against a side that had only lost once all season. And we soon found out why as we went in 1-0 down at half-time.
"But the boys battled back, scoring four quick goals from which, in the end, they could only pull one back.
"It has been a great run and drawing Queen of the South gives the lads an opportunity to make it to the Final at Hampden!"
Stevie won't have midfielder Darren Petrie available due to suspension. In addition, keeper Philip Anderson and right-back Ross Gilmour are missing due to international call-ups.
On the plus side, Stevie can bring in Marc McCallum in goal as he is still eligible for the Under-19s, having returned from his loan stint with Forfar Athletic.
So hopefully as many Arabs as possible will come along tonight and cheer the lads on to go through. And whoever wins won't have too many sleepless nights worrying about the final against Celtic because that takes place at Hampden Park on Monday 23 April 2012. Kick - off 7.30pm!
