Nairn County 0-3 Rangers

Last updated : 15 July 2004 By Mark O' Haire

Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen and Tony Thorpe all struck after the interval to secure a pleasing performance.

The Highland League side offered a good account of themselves, offering spirit, fight and determination despite not having any chances of note. Rangers on the other hand had 14 chances of note in the first half as they began to run the show, creating openings on every attack. The only criticism would have been for poor finishing in front of goal.

But despite fielding 17 players, including trialist Luke Hamilton who, like Chris Day and Gino Padula completed the full 90 minutes, the Rangers management would have been pleased with the overall performance. Impressive fitness levels were shown and a good team ethic matched the hungriness of the squad as they jostle for first team places come August 7th.

Having come on at the interval, Martin Rowlands scored the first goal only a minute in to the second period, finishing from a tight angle inside the area.
A low strike, 15 yards out, from Kevin Gallen doubled the Rs' advantage in the 77th minute and in stoppage time at the end of the game Tony Thorpe nipped in to flick home a long ball over the top from the left hand side.
Next up for Ian Holloway's team is a trip to Scottish First Division champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Team from last night-
Day, Perry (Bignot 46), Hamilton, Rose (Gnohere 46), Padula, Ainsworth (Rowlands 46), Bean (Johnson 46), Daly (Bean 65), McLeod (Ainsworth 65), Cureton (Thorpe 46), Furlong (Gallen 46)

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