Rangers continued their impressive six-game unbeaten run with a convincing 3-0 victory over Hutchie Vale, thanks to goals from Natalie Ross, Hayley Cunninghan and Megan Sneddon.
Rangers began in a dominant fashion with a lot of possession, in what was clearly an attacking set-up. The first real chance of the game came after ten minutes, Lisa Swanson picked up the ball in midfield and her pass fell nicely to set Hayley Cunningham up for the shot, but her attempt was parried onto the bar by the Hutchison Vale keeper.
Rangers continued to force the play and had a number of near misses through strike partners Megan Foley and Lisa Swanson. Their possession finally paid off 25 minutes into the game as the ball found its way to Natalie Ross inside the penalty area, her well-timed run met the perfectly weighted pass and she finished to give Rangers the lead.
The goal spurred the home side on, as they began to create more chances. Lisa Swanson was unable to capitalise on a good cross from Leeanne Hughes and Hollie Thomson tried her luck from over 25 yards out, but her shot flew over the bar.
Rangers’ sustained pressure allowed them to double their lead on the half hour mark. A lay off from Ross fell perfectly to Cunningham who hit a fantastic strike first time into the top corner of the net.
Rangers started the second half as they ended the first, driving at the Hutchison Vale defence. Good work from Swanson and Cunningham on the left allowed the ball to fall to Megan Sneddon who, from 30 yards out scored her second goal in two games to make it 3-0 to Angie Hinds’ side.
Cunningham and Thomson both tested the Hutchison Vale keeper from distance whilst at the other Khym Ramsay was called into action, impressively holding the visitor’s first shot on target. With fifteen minutes remaining, Rebecca Storrie made her debut for Rangers after a long-term injury.
Rangers looked to extend their lead right to the final whistle, with Megan Foley breaking forward, however her shot was foiled by the crossbar. Subsequent efforts from Cunningham and Hughes proved unable to trouble the Vale keeper and Rangers sealed all three points.
The victory sets Rangers up for a midweek clash against Hibernian. A win in the rescheduled fixture would see the Light Blues overtake their opponents and sit a point ahead in second place.
Head Coach Angie Hind reflected on the game: “It was a solid win today and a good team performance. We changed our shape a little to suit the qualities we have in the team and I think we did some really good things. Another clean sheet and goals from our midfield are pleasing too.”
Report by Mary Anne Orr
