Rothes 1
Clydebank 2
Scottish Cup (1st Preliminary Round)

Match Report

Clydebank edged past Rothes in the Scottish Cup first preliminary round with a hard-fought 2–1 win in front of a modest crowd at MacKessack Park. Although the Highland League side showed plenty of grit and might feel unfortunate not to earn a replay, the Bankies ultimately did just enough in a scrappy contest marred by poor finishing and untidy play from both sides.

Clydebank had the wind at their backs in the first half and dominated territory, but struggled to make it count. Early pressure saw corners and half-chances come and go, with Frank Russell and Dennis Rankin both going close. Rankin struck the side netting after a clever pass from Russell, and the winger later rounded keeper Thompson only to be denied by a superb intervention from Gallagher.

Despite the conditions, Rothes defended bravely and were helped by some wasteful finishing from the visitors. The hosts offered little going forward but had a loud penalty shout waved away just before the break when Middler went down in the area.

Against the run of play, Rothes took a shock lead just three minutes into the second half. Ally McRae worked space on the bye-line before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Charlie Todd to head home, sending the home support into raptures.

Moments later, the Highlanders were dealt a blow when Gallagher was forced off with a head injury, and Scott came on as a substitute. But Clydebank responded well and showed more composure against the wind than their hosts had managed earlier. On 59 minutes, Rankin smashed home the equaliser, lashing Tony Moy’s cross into the roof of the net.

The match became increasingly physical in the final stages. Rankin was booked after a heated clash with Comrie, and Clydebank lost Small to injury, with Wark taking his place. With eight minutes remaining, Moy was brought down in the box by McLean and stepped up to convert the resulting penalty himself, putting the Bankies in front.

Despite Rothes’ late push, Clydebank held on to book their place in the next round. Russell, although not on the scoresheet, was a constant threat, while Moy and Rankin provided the decisive moments. It wasn’t a classic, but the Bankies did enough on the day.

Match report written by Stuart McBay