GERS RUN OUT WINNERS IN THE RAIN

Deveronvale's double-header against the 'Old Firm' began on Friday evening when a young Rangers team travel up to Princess Royal Park to play the hosts in this glamour pre-season friendly.
On a night more akin to water sports the visitors ran out narrow winners in a closely fought match, which neither side dominated.
The large crowd, which the Vale had hoped for, never materialised due to the rain, which hadn't stopped all day and in fact I'm sure if a local side had been visitors the match would have been called off.
Never-the-less the 400 strong crowd who did turn up enjoyed a competitive match which was played in good spirits and pleasing on the eye with some nice crisp passing football played by sides.
Brighton tested Speirs early on but the home keeper was down quickly to smother the ball on the greasy surface. At the other end Stephen was unfortunate not to find Murray with a slide-rule pass in behind the 'Gers' rearguard.
Kinghorn then hooked just wide when well placed in the visitor's box. Montgomery picked out Murray with a chipped free kick but the striker couldn't get enough on it to divert the ball past Whyte, in the Rangers goal. Dolan then shot wide as the rain continued to pelt down. Whyte held Stephen's 20 yarder comfortably as Vale pushed for the opener before Rangers broke upfield and Speirs had to rush from his line to thwart a dangerous break at the expense of a corner.

As the second half started Craigie's turn and shot wasn't far off target and at the other end Speirs was again quick off his line to save the day for the home defence as again the visitors got in behind them. Levin fired wide of the far post before Speirs saved bravely at the feet of McLean.
Rangers took the lead with a great solo effort from McLean when he evaded four challenges before stroking the ball past the helpless Speirs from 8 yards. Murray had a half chance for the home side but his header drifted wide from a Barry Stephen cross.
The visitors were two up when Anderson and Speirs got in a mix up allowing McLean the simplest of chances to score into an empty net from close range.
Speirs was called into action again on a couple of occasions as the game opened up and the home players tired.
Barry Stephen fired over the top with the Vale's last chance as the game fizzled out.