Rangers Colts are in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup after a dominant 2-0 win over Wrexham at Ibrox
The Colts dominated much of the early stages of the game, winning several corners in the process, but struggled to really test Christian Dibble in the Wrexham goal.
Murty’s side created several chances but lacked a bit of invention at times before Jamie Barjonas grabbed a well-deserved opening goal midway through the first half.
The midfielder saw his shot trickle in at the back post to give the Light Blues a well-deserved lead and cap off an impressive performance.
Wrexham never really looked like getting back into the game and when Nathan Young-Coombes made it 2-0 you could sense that the visitors had given up any hope of winning.
Rangers Colts now have a semi-final to look forward to and will surely have their eyes on the trophy now they are this lose.
Here’s how Graeme Murty’s side performed against the National League side:
Kieran Wright – 7
Back in the side after missing the last round against Solihull and made a brilliant save to deny McIntosh after 30 minutes. Solid afternoon.
Nathan Patterson – 7
Optimistic attempt at goal early on before picking up a knock. Managed to continue for a little bit before being forced out of the game to be replaced by Nathan Young-Coombes. Had really impressed up until he was forced off.
Jon Flanagan – 7
Surpise starter and kept it solid at the back as the former Liverpool man brought all of his experience to the Rangers Colts side. Moved to right-back after Patterson’s injury and made it look easy.
Lewis Mayo – 8
Captain strolled through the game and was spraying passes around with ease as he dictated the tempo alongside Jamie Barjonas. Really looks to have a massive future ahead of him and such a vital part of how Murty’s side play.
George Edmundson – 7
Another surprise starter and helped marshall the defence alongside Breen. Didn’t have a huge amount to do defensively and used his experience well. Will be hoping to build on it and get back into the first-team picture.
Rhys Breen – 7
Confident performance alongside Edmundson in defence as the Colts dealt with Wrexham’s few forays forward. Never troubled too much and will be happy with a clean sheet.
James Maxwell – 7
Set up Barjonas for the opener after being moved from a more attacking role into left-back following Patterson’s injury. Constantly up and down the flank and had to keep his wits about him as Wrexham found their way back into the game.
Jamie Barjonas – 8
Scored the opener and was pretty dominant in midfield for Rangers. Range and accuracy of passing really impressed and easy to see why Steven Gerrard rates him so highly.
Serge Atakayi – 6
Struggled early on in a central role but was much more effective after being moved out wide and allowed to run at the full-backs. Will have hoped he could have contributed a bit more though. Replaced by Arron Lyall with 15 minutes to go.
Ciaran Dickson – 7
Industrious performance from the midfielder as he constantly tried to make something happen, albeit to limited success. Always made himself available for team-mates and offered runs to make space. Came off with a few minutes to go to be replaced by Butterworth.
Kai Kennedy – 7
Tried to get forward and cause problems for the Wrexham defence but didn’t get much joy for long spells. Kept plugging away though as the Gers looked for a second goal.
Substitutes: Nathan Young-Coombes (7) Replaced Patterson and put in a massive shift and got a deserved goal 20 minutes from the end. Arron Lyall (3) Replaced Atakayi with 15 minutes left. Zac Butterworth (3) Replaced Dickson at the death.