Rangers B remain level on points with Celtic B after slipping to a surprise 2-0 defeat at home to East Stirlingshire in the Lowland League.
David McCallum’s league squad was weakened by Leon King’s promotion to the first team in January, and he was also without the likes of Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann for this early kick-off, as they’re on first-team duty.
However, the B-Team boss was still able to put out a strong-looking XI.
The likes of Robbie Fraser, Tony Weston and Juan Alegria all started in Dumbarton.
The Young Gers were 16 points ahead of their opponents prior to kick-off and they won at East Stirlingshire earlier in the season, but they struggled this time around.
Rangers B downed at home in Lowland League
There were few clear-cut chances for the hosts in the early stages, while Greig Allen, Alegria and Murray Miller all picked up bookings in a five-minute period around half an hour into the contest.
Then, Dean Watson scored with a backheel in the 37th minute to ensure the visitors led at the interval.
Scotland U17s forward Rory Wilson was introduced soon after the break, but rather than turning things around, Rangers quickly fell further behind, with Jamie Hamilton doubling The Shire’s lead.
Rangers retained possession relatively well as they looked for a route back into the game but they lacked penetration and the visitors successfully closed out a 2-0 victory.
Bears will be hoping it’s the only defeat the club suffers today, with a straightforward-looking Scottish Cup tie against League Two Annan Athletic coming up for the first team later.
Check out our Predicted XI for the game, HERE.
