Rangers B face a stern test this Saturday as they travel to The Rock to take on Scottish League 2 side Dumbarton in the KDM Evolution Trophy, with both sides heading into the match in very different cup form.
The Sons, managed by Stevie Farrell, are unbeaten in the revamped Challenge Cup format, with two wins and two draws from their four fixtures. Those results include victories over both Hearts B and St Mirren B, leaving them on the verge of qualification for the next round, where Championship clubs will enter the competition.
Farrell expects another lively encounter against Rangers’ second string, speaking to the official Dumbarton FC YouTube channel he said: “I think you know what you get with the B teams, and you know what you get particularly with the Old Firm B teams – they’re energetic, they’re intense and they’re all technically very, very good. Rangers will be no different.
“We are more or less qualified for the next round of that cup. But we want to continue to pick up points in the cup and next Saturday is no different.”
The Dumbarton boss also pointed to the unusual spotlight that the fixture will bring on the fourth-tier club: “It’s on TV, which is a bit different for us on a Saturday afternoon. So the players will come in Tuesday and Thursday, and we’ll pick a team on Saturday we believe can go and win the game.”
Among his squad is Kristian Webster, the former Rangers youngster who joined Dumbarton permanently in the summer after a loan spell last season. Farrell admitted Webster could provide useful insight into Saturday’s opponents: “We tap into all the loan players [when facing B teams]. This week Webby could be number one scout rather than right-back or right centre-back.”
For Stevie Smith’s Rangers side, the tie is a chance to put points on the board after four defeats in their opening four group matches.
Despite that run, Smith believes his young players are showing signs of progress and resilience: “It’s a good opportunity for the boys. Playing men’s football in this competition lets us see where we need to improve, because you don’t get to play at this level every week.
“The Trophy is critical for their development. A lot of people focus on results, but it’s about exposing young players to the first-team environment sooner than normal.
“They need to experience pressure, handle the ball in different situations, and learn what it takes to compete against older, stronger opponents.
“We’ve had a tough start in the competition, but it’s about giving the players experience and helping them develop their mentality. We can still learn from each game, even if the results haven’t gone our way yet.”
“Going to Dumbarton is another chance to test the players. We want them to compete, show character, and start picking up points while continuing their development. It’s never just about the result, it’s about learning how to win the right way.”
Young Gers defender Oliver Hynd sees the Dumbarton test as another vital learning opportunity for Rangers’ youngsters: “It’s a good experience [playing men’s teams], it’s something you don’t get every day.
“It lets us know where we need to improve, because you don’t get to play men’s football every week at this kind of level. It shows us what we need to work on at the training ground before we go again.”
The match is live on Premier Sports 1 at 3pm, and tickets are available via Dumbarton FC.