Stranraer 2
Clydebank 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank earned applause by their fine defensive display which almost got them their first win. They opened the scoring in four minutes through Moy who headed in a corner by Stewart, and thereafter, inspired by John McGill, former Stranraer wing half, they more than held their own.

Their four-two-four combination suited the conditions, but it also suited Stranraer's two hard tackling wing halves who seldom let anything pass.

However, McLachlan, when McGill was beaten, came to the rescue with many fine saves and it was not until almost an hour had gone that Clydebank yielded their first goal.

McDonald failed to hold McMurdo whose high cross was headed fiercely goalward by Hanlon. McLachlan could only parry the effort and Jeffrey, running in, gave him no chance from close in.

Clydebank were shaken and ten minutes later a similar move saw them go into arrears. This time Logan rose above Small and Jenkins to head between McDonald and McLachlan into the net.

However, it was Clydebank who put on a spurt. They came more into the game in the closing stages than they had been before. The wing halves moved up and Moy and Stewart seemed to be able to do as they pleased.

The equaliser was well deserved. Again, Stewart figured in the move; after forcing a corner he placed it so well that Moy could pick his spot. However, he mishit the header, and Thomson fumbled the ball, and it went trundling over the line.

Clydebank might well have been awarded a penalty when Thomson coming out for a long-range pass back, failed to gather the ball and wrapped his arms around Mitchell just on the edge of the box.

Had Clydebank's left wing started as they finished and given centre forward Mitchell more support a win was on the cards. As it was the slavish adherence to a 4-2-4 system cost them a point, or at least did not give them the same chance.

McGill was immense and not overshadowed even by keeper McLachlan. The two full backs were very steady, but the wing halves should have come through with the ball more often.

Match report written by a correspondent (Clydebank Press)