U18s Report: Hibs 2 Rangers 2

The wee Hibees continued their unbeaten start to the CAS Elite League after fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw with Rangers.

Two goals in the final 20 minutes from Dean Cleland rescued a point for Darren McGregor’s side at HTC on Friday afternoon (23 August).

The visitors made the stronger start to the game, enjoying the majority of possession and eventually taking the lead after 12 minutes. Callum Burnside got the goal, arriving late into the box and slotting past Mallon to give the Gers an early lead.

The Hibees were dealt another blow in the first half when Josh Landers was forced off after suffering an arm injury and the Gers went in with a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Our youngsters grew into the game as the second half developed, allowing the Rangers players less time on the ball. But the hosts doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a first-time finish from Christopher Eadie.

Hibs ‘keeper Ryan Mallon did brilliantly to keep the score at 2-0 with several saves from point-blank range in the second half as Rangers looked to put the game beyond all doubt.

Those saves gave the Hibees a lift and we got ourselves back into the game with 15 minutes left to play.  Arran McSporran did well to step in and intercept the ball inside the Rangers half, playing a first-time ball to Jamie McMurdo. The Hibs winger beat two defenders before squaring it to Dean Cleland who composed himself and side-footed the ball home.

Then, five minutes from time – we pulled ourselves back level. Joseph McGrath played a long ball over the top in the direction of Jamie McMurdo who turned his man with a brilliant turn on the by-line. He found Cleland at the front-post who showed great creativity to back-heel the ball in from close range.

That was the last action of notes and the points were shared at HTC.

Hibs U18: Mallon, Calder, McGrath, Bruce, Cleland, Buckley, Landers, McMurdo, Davidson, Beaton, McSporran.