Former Arsenal youth prospect Malcolm Ebiowei came off the bench to score for Rangers U18s in a 6-2 mauling of Aberdeen on Friday afternoon.

It was a timely return to form for David McCallum’s side, who had experienced a recent dip in performance levels, leading to defeats against the Dons in the Scottish Youth Cup and more recently, to Fife Elite.

The potency that has been missing in recent times was back for this away clash and it didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken, with Kane Ritchie-Hosler swivelling and firing home with just 15 minutes on the clock.

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Crucially, the young Gers didn’t rest on their laurels, either.

Umaro Balde doubled the lead just five minutes later and Ross McCausland made it three before the half-hour mark.

A cricket score was on the cards when ex-Sporting Lisbon trainee, Balde, secured his brace, but the Dons pulled one back to ensure it was 4-1 at the break.

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The home side briefly threatened a comeback with a second just after half-time, but the Gers weathered the storm and pulled away strongly in the closing stages.

Northern Ireland youth international Chris McKee scored his side’s fifth, before former Arsenal academy player Ebiowei, who only signed for the club in February and was introduced at half-time, rounded off the scoring with a penalty.

An excellent result for the young Gers, then, which should boost confidence levels after a disappointing period.

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