Rangers travelled to high flying Milton Keynes Irish last Tuesday for this Berks & Bucks cup tie and it was easy to see why Irish top the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division having won six from six. Rangers manager, Mark Jones made no secret that this Cup was low on his priorities and this was reflected in his team selection, giving several fringe players the chance to show what they can do. This in no way detracted from the quality of the opposition who dominated from start to finish, showing just why they are favourites for their league title this season. On a rain sodden but excellent pitch Rangers keeper, Dave Saunders was forced into action early on with a good save and he was kept busy for much of the first half as Irish pressed. A couple of half chances for Rangers on the break caused little problems for the home side and in the 22nd minute they broke the deadlock when a free header was well saved by Saunders but with the Rangers defence slow to clear the loose ball and MK's Osei-Addo stabbed home. Irish almost got another six minutes later, Saunders tipping over a fierce strike. Rangers rallied a little before the break , enjoying a good spell with no real threat.

The second half saw more pressure from the home team and they doubled their lead on 57 minutes. A corner was swung in and Rangers afforded another free header at the far post, the ball headed back across goal before being pushed over the line by the stomach of Irish's Hirst. Two more good saves from Saunders soon followed as Rangers looked ragged before a rare chance for the visitors, Scott Walsh glancing wide from a free kick. At the other end Saunders saved well at his near post as things returned to normal and on 68 minutes Irish added a third with a fine goal; a good move down the left and a clever switch of play, the final ball picking out Shepherd to finish with a great header. More pressure followed as Irish looked greedy for more and a fourth arrived in the 80th minute, Rangers robbed out wide, a good ball in and Brito sliding in to score from close range. Rangers huffed and puffed a little toward the end and their first real shot of the game came with two minutes to go, Muchechetere firing over from the edge of the box. Rangers looked relieved at the final whistle, accepting that they had been beaten by a better side. Mark Jones stressed that the next three games for Rangers are crucial, starting Saturday at home versus Edgware & Kingsbury.

Rangers Man of the Match: Dave Saunders. Had plenty to do with Rangers under pressure for much of the game. Made some great saves to keep the score down.