Hibs U18s picked up their first 3 points of the season on Friday evening against St. Mirren but were unable to make it back to back wins in the league as they fell short against Rangers.
Rangers started on the front foot, dominating possession and not allowing Hibs to break from their own half.
The sustained pressure from the visitors paid off in the 8th minute when they managed to convert from their first opportunity.
The Gers’ keeper played a long ball over the top of the wee Hibees backline, with their No.9 bringing it down under pressure and slotting it past Freddie Owens.
Hibs started to pull themselves into the game after the opener and began to push Rangers back.
The first opportunity for Hibs fell on the quarter-hour mark when Reuben McAllister put a floated ball into the box, but Reece Holden was unable to generate any power on his header.
Hibs kept pushing and managed to find an equaliser at the half-hour mark.
Jacob MacIntyre was alert to a loose pass on the edge of the 18-yard box and drove forward before confidently firing the ball into the bottom left corner.
Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the first 45, with Freddie Owens doing well to deny the Rangers No.9 of a second goal and keeping the game level heading into the second half.
The visitors started the second 45 in a similar fashion to the first, keeping the majority of the ball and patiently trying to break down a stubborn Hibs side.
A free kick was given to Rangers on the 55th minute, with a dubious penalty then being awarded for a foul in the wall.
The Gers’ No.6 stepped up and sent Freddie Owens in the wrong direction, restoring their lead.
The wee Hibees did well to keep their concentration and their shape as they looked to pounce on any Rangers errors.
Rudi Molotnikov did just that on the 68th minute and his explosive run through the centre of the park created space for Reece Holden. Molotnikov slipped Holden through on goal, but Holden was unable to steady himself and gave the Rangers defender a chance to get a foot in.
Rangers dominated the second half and kept control in the middle of the park, giving the wee Hibees very little in terms of chances.
Josh Holden had an opportunity ten minutes from time, when his burst of pace allowed him to lift his head and square it to Alfie Smith, but once again Rangers were able to clear their lines.
The game looked to be fizzling out but the wee Hibees managed to create one final opportunity in hope of rescuing a point.
A hopeful ball into the box ran through everyone and found Bailey Mckenzie at the back post. Mckenzie managed to beat the goalkeeper to the ball but his effort came crashing off the post and cleared to safety.
A valiant effort from the wee Hibees but it was unfortunately not enough to take anything out of the game.
Hibs: Owens, Khan, Waugh, Innes, Hastie, MacIntyre, Landers, Molotnikov, Laidlaw, Holden, McAllister.