HAPPY MUNN DAY
Philippe Clement delivers Rangers Youth Cup rally cry as James Tavernier watches kids’ keeper inspire Hampden win
Aberdeen were also watched by first-team stars at the National Stadium - but Gers' keeper stole the show
PHILIPPE CLEMENT hailed Rangers’ kids as they came from behind to nick the Scottish Youth Cup from Aberdeen.
Dons defender Timothy Akindileni had netted a second-half opener to set up what looked being their first trophy triumph in 23 years.
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But after Findlay Curtis levelled from the penalty spot, Akindileni’s joy turned to despair after Welsh kid Josh Gentles’ shot hit off him for Gers’ winner.
Inspired by a stellar performance from Northern Irish keeper Mason Munn, it was their second Youth Cup in three years.
Delighted boss Stevie Smith said: “The manager came into the dressing room and spoke to the players after the game.
“He’s noticed a few players and he said a few things there that he’s really happy with.
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“He saw quality in terms of their technical ability and he also saw that character that they will need at the top end.
“I knew he was coming to the game but I didn’t know he would show up after the game.
“The full first-team coaching staff were here and we got the shout on the pitch when we were celebrating that we had to go in and speak to the manager.
“It tells us a lot about the man he is.
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“He knows a lot of the faces because the boys have had a chance to train with the first team and I’m sure he’ll know a few more after tonight.”
Rangers were denied a first-half opener when Paul Nsio had an effort saved by Latvian keeper Rodrigo Vitols.
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Aberdeen vastly improved after the break and Alfie Bavidge — who has scored nine goals this season on loan at Kelty Hearts — was denied by a reaction save from Munn.
The Pittodrie kids thought they’d scored directly from a corner by captain Alfie Stewart which looked like it may have curled in before Munn clawed it out.
But they made their second- half pressure count when another excellent Stewart corner was bundled in by Akindileni in the 65th minute.
However, the lead lasted just five minutes after Archie Stevens’ cross hit the elbow of Lewis Carrol and Curtis converted the spot-kick.
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And Rangers grabbed a 77th-minute winner when a volley from 16-year-old Gentles took a huge deflection off Aberdeen’s goalscorer Akindileni.
Munn saved Rangers again at the end with a stunning stop from a Bavidge volley at the end, in front of first-team boss Clement and club captain James Tavernier.
Dons first-team stars Connor Barron, Graeme Shinnie and Jonny Hayes also cheered on the young Reds.
Disappointed Dons boss Scott Anderson said: “We felt in control of the game when we took the lead.
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“The penalty knocked the stuffing out of us and then they scored a deflected goal, so that was disappointing.
“And their keeper made a couple of unbelievable saves.”
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