Clydebank 3
East Stirlingshire 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank moved two points clear of East Stirlingshire at the foot of the Second Division with a well-earned 3–1 victory at Kilbowie Park — their second by the same scoreline against the Falkirk side this season.

The hero of the hour was little Frank Russell, whose brace of goals ultimately made the difference in a match that was closer than the final score might suggest. The Bankies started brightly and went ahead after just 12 minutes when Russell unleashed a thunderous 15-yard strike that left the Shire keeper helpless.

For the next half hour, Clydebank remained firmly in control, pressing for a second. But as chances went untaken, they eased off and allowed Shire to settle into the game. By the second half, the visitors were dictating much of the play, but their efforts repeatedly broke down in the final third, where they lacked the composure and penetration needed to trouble a resolute Bankies defence.

The game was still delicately poised as it entered the final ten minutes, but Russell once again took centre stage, darting through the Shire backline to fire home a second in the 81st minute — a superb solo effort. The home support, around 1,200 strong, barely had time to finish celebrating when Tony Moy made it 3–0, lofting a fine shot past the 'keeper after gathering the ball out wide.

Shire managed a late consolation when Joe Connelly converted a Hamill cross from close range in the dying seconds, but it was too little, too late. The Bankies defence, marshalled well throughout, had largely kept the visitors’ attacking threats at bay, while the forward pairing of Russell and Moy proved decisive.

Though the first half had its share of niggly fouls, the game opened up after the break and was played in good spirit. For East Stirlingshire, Craig and Reynolds fought gamely in midfield, but the forwards struggled to make an impact. Of note, Shire fielded four former ES Clydebank players — Miller, Craig, Hamill, and Jones — adding a bit of extra spice to the contest.

This much-needed win gave Clydebank a morale boost and some daylight at the bottom of the table. They now face a long journey north to face Highland League side Rothes in the Scottish Cup preliminary round. The team will travel in convoy, setting off on Friday in six cars, stopping overnight in Grantown-on-Spey before making their way to Rothes, and returning via the same route on Sunday.

Match report written by Stuart McBay