Mistakes cost Lang in new season opener

Cambuslang Rangers threw away a one-goal lead as Irvine Victoria retained the Thomas Loach Memorial Trophy in the annual challenge match.

Only five members of last season’s title winning side started the game as The Lang fielded a new look side which comprised an all-new back four.

Their top close season signing however, centre-half Chris Smith, was not available.

A strong wind and driving rain welcomed the kick-off and Rangers’ John Gemmell, with the wind in his favour, twice tried his luck from long range but home keeper Lamb held both efforts.

At the other end Vic’s Singleton carelessly sliced wide from a fine cross by Kevin Adam.

Gemmell seemed to relish the elements and he again produced a fine turn and shot which Lamb parried.

At the other end Jordan Brand made a good stop from an Adam drive before Friendly Hal Bohme nods the ball forward 150717vics_7 a cross shot from Davidson clipped the Lang crossbar.

The best chance of the game arrived on the half-time whistle when Dale Simeon played in Hal Bohme but Lamb turned the effort around the post.

Cambuslang replaced two of their new faces with Ryan Kerr and Liam Gormley at the break and it was the visitors who edged in front in the 53rd minute. A super cross into the box from Bohme was met by Gemmell who placed a header in the bottom corner.

However, the cheers of The Lang fans had hardly died down when Irvine drew level. A real mix-up in the Rangers defence allowed Adam the chance to trundle the ball into an unguarded net.

Cambuslang came close to regaining the lead but Lamb again denied them a goal by diving to save Gormley’s shot.

On the hour mark, Paul McColl began to make more changes and the side lost its shape as a result. It was no real surprise when another mix-up in defence gifted the home side the lead through Kieran Hollis who was quick to capitalise on the error.

Cambuslang then had a good chance to level but Thomas Kilmartin fired wide of the far post.

Vics wrapped up the result with a third goal in the 89th minute from Sean Mears who had all the time he required to pick his spot following a low cross from the left wing.