Rangers Academy keeper Lewis Budinauckas has paid tribute to the almost-500 Gers fans who made the trip to Solihull to see the Colts triumph in the Challenge Cup last night – and insists that there backing “really helped.”
The young Gers came back from 3-1 down to win on penalties against the National League side with Bud saving two penalties and thanked Academy analyst George Brown and goalkeeping coach Graeme Smith for helping him.
The Light Blues Colts will face Wrexham in the next round – potentially at Ibrox – as they look to book a semi-final place as the last remaining Colt side in the competition.
“George and Graeme Smith had looked at where they put them and the first one they managed to guide me the right way to save it,” Budinauckas told Rangers TV.
“The last one I just went with where I thought he was going to go and thankfully I saved it.
“The supporters were brilliant tonight, I’d like to say thanks to them all for coming out and supporting us it really helped.”
Two goals from Eros Grezda and a Jamie Barjonas strike were enough to keep Graeme Murty’s side in the tie before showing great composure to win on penalties.
Despite there being two very contrasting styles on display, the Gers never went away from trying to do things properly and play football while the hosts were content on shelling long balls forward.
With wins against several senior sides in competitive games, Rangers have made real strides in the competition this season as they look to become the first Colt side to lift the trophy.