Stranraer 2
Clydebank 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank were left to rue what might have been after letting a lead slip twice at Stair Park, but their solid defensive performance and resilience earned them a creditable draw against Stranraer.

The Bankies got off to a dream start when Tony Moy headed home from a Stewart corner after just four minutes. Former Stranraer wing-half John McGill was instrumental in the early exchanges, turning in a commanding performance against his old club. The visitors looked confident and their 4-2-4 formation appeared to suit both the conditions and their positive approach.

Stranraer, however, had ideas of their own, and their two robust wing-halves kept Clydebank’s attack largely in check for long spells. When the defence was breached, goalkeeper Sandy McLachlan proved a dependable last line, producing a string of excellent saves.

It took nearly an hour for Stranraer to break through. McMurdo got the better of McGill down the flank and sent in a high cross. Hanlon met it with a powerful header which McLachlan could only parry, and Jeffrey pounced to bury the rebound.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Stranraer struck again ten minutes later. Logan out-jumped Small and Jenkins to nod the ball between McDonald and McLachlan and give the home side a 2–1 lead.

Despite the setback, Clydebank responded strongly. The final stages of the match saw them press forward with renewed intent. Stewart, influential throughout, forced a corner and delivered a teasing ball into the box. Moy met it but made a poor connection; even so, Stranraer keeper Thomson fumbled the effort and the ball trickled over the line for a deserved equaliser.

There was further drama when Thomson, in attempting to recover a long back-pass, clashed with Davie Mitchell just outside the area. A penalty might have been given, but the referee waved play on.

Clydebank’s left wing came alive late in the game, and with better support for Mitchell earlier on, a first league victory might well have been theirs. As it was, the rigid 4-2-4 formation perhaps limited their ability to adapt as the match wore on.

Still, there was plenty to admire in this performance. McGill was immense in midfield, and even goalkeeper McLachlan didn’t overshadow his contribution. The full-backs were steady throughout, though more ambition from the wing-halves in driving forward could have tipped the balance in Clydebank’s favour.

The point was a fair reward for a spirited display—yet again proof that the Bankies are growing into the challenge of league football.

Match report written by Stuart McBay