Premier League Cup
Team: Warren, Adamson, trialist, Smith, Akindileni, Alemayehu, Poku, Aoraha, Bennie, Kolli, Pearman,
Subs: Halliday, Putman, Agbude, Coomes, O’Brien
Following the 3-1 win at Stockport, Rangers’ next opponents in the Premier League Cup were Cardiff City.
On a cold night with some intermittent drizzle, the Rangers starting line-up included Rayan Kolli, Kwame Poku, Tylon Smith, the African Young Player of the Year nominee, and a trialist at No.3.
Two minutes in, and Alex Aoraha’s strike from outside the box was deflected before going for a corner.
The R’s took the lead after 16 minutes. Following Kwame Poku’s run through the middle, Rayan Kolli’s cross from the bye-line found the trialist at the far post, who then headed the ball in the net.
Rangers doubled their lead in less than two minutes when Daniel Bennie provided a lovely chip to deceive Ewan Griffiths.
At the other end, Luey Giles’ free kick was followed by a powerful header in the box, which Charlie Warren comfortably saved.
On 26 minutes, Rayan Kolli set himself up to pull the trigger, and his low strike flashed just past the upright.
Later, Mr Hathway booked Kealey Adamson.
Into the closing stages, and after Alex Aoraha’s shot was knocked away, the R’s captain ended up grounded.
With some Rangers players calling for the ball to be kicked out of play, there was a bit of a coming together involving Isak Alemayehu and Trey George.
Then after three added minutes, the referee blew for half-time.
The Bluebirds were awarded a penalty five minutes into the second-half. Although Charlie Warren initially saved Troy Perrett’s spot kick, Dakarai Mafico was well-placed to then aim the ball into the far corner.
On 59 minutes, Charlie Warren did well to get down and hold on to a deflected attempt at goal.
Cardiff were awarded a second penalty a few minutes later. Troy Perrett stepped up and belted the ball into the bottom corner.
Paul Furlong made four changes shortly after, which saw the introduction of Kobe Agbude, Jaiden Putman, Jake Coomes and Archie O’Brien at the expense of Kwame Poku, Rayan Kolli, Alex Aoraha and the trialist respectively.
Jake Coomes’ dangerous cross was pushed away by the keeper, and Archie O’Brien’s follow-up attempt was well blocked.
Archie O’Brien and Jake Coomes both had attempts that narrowly evaded the target.
After six added minutes, Mr Hathway brought a halt to a disappointing second-half.
Paul Furlong’s side then went on to face Charlton Athletic at Sparrow’s Lane.
Steve Russell