Ex-academy striker Gallagher returns to dump Rangers’ colts

RANGERS COLTS crashed out of the Irn-Bru Cup last night after suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Dumbarton. A day after Celtic’s kids lost 3-1 at Annan Athletic, the other half of the Old Firm also fell at the first hurdle. Rangers’ Under-20s fell behind to former Ibrox academy graduate Calum Gallagher, the striker rifling home from the spot after two minutes. Mark Stewart doubled the Sons’ lead four minutes after the break. Rangers Under-20s rallied late on and Ryan Hardie halved the deficit on 72 minutes with a cool finish past Scott Gallacher. The Championship side held on towards the end with Jason Holt, Matty Shiels and Hardie passing up chances to take the tie into extra-time. Motherwell Under-20s came back from behind to beat League One Queen’s Park 2-1. Former Fir Park defender Adam Cummins put the Spiders ahead before the break but Stephen Craigan’s youngsters fought back. Ellis Plummer levelled on 62 minutes and Shea Gordon turned the contest around seven minutes later. Dundee Colts’ late comeback was in vain as they lost out 4-2 at home to Alloa Athletic. The League One side raced to a 3-0 lead before being pegged back to 3-2 with 11 minutes remaining. However, Craig Malcolm’s goal in stoppage time was enough for Alloa to edge through. Elsewhere, goals from Leon Murphy, Brian Gilmour, Craig Moore, Alan Forrest and Luke McCowan sealed a 5-1 win for Ayr United at Lowland League side East Stirling. Meanwhile, the SPFL have opened disciplinary proceedings against Albion Rovers for fielding an ineligible player in their Irn-Bru Cup victory over Spartans on Tuesday. Liam McGuigan was on the bench as Rovers won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless 120 minutes at Cliftonhill. Both teams will be entered in today’s draw, pending the outcome of the proceedings.