Stenhousemuir 4
Clydebank 4
League (Division 2)

Match Report

In a pulsating eight-goal thriller at Ochilview, Clydebank twice held a two-goal advantage only to be pegged back on each occasion by a determined Stenhousemuir side. Played in punishing winter conditions—on a rock-hard surface and through spells of heavy snow—the match was a credit to both sides’ resilience and determination.

The Bankies were quickest to adapt to the treacherous pitch, and they raced into a two-goal lead within 20 minutes. First, Davie Mitchell was given space to lash home a powerful angled drive beyond Samson in the seventh minute, and then McCallum doubled the advantage after some slack defending allowed him time to finish.

Stenhousemuir got themselves back into the game just after the half-hour when Black's effort was blocked and McGregor followed up amid a crowd of players to reduce the arrears.

The hosts came out stronger in the second half and got their reward when a dangerous attack ended with Bankies full-back Mitchell inadvertently putting the ball into his own net to level the scores. But Clydebank’s response was immediate. Within a minute, Frank Russell—always lively—pounced on a defensive lapse and restored the Bankies’ lead. Six minutes later, he struck again with a composed finish, giving Clydebank a 4–2 cushion and putting the visitors back in command.

But the Warriors were not done. McGregor tested the Clydebank keeper with a stinging effort, and Black was on hand to net from close range after a smart run. The same player completed the comeback a few minutes later, sweeping the ball home after a well-directed McAllister header to bring the match level once more.

Despite late chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner. Given the conditions and the end-to-end nature of the game, a draw was a fair outcome—though Clydebank will be disappointed not to have seen out the win after twice taking control.

For the Bankies, Russell's brace was the highlight, while Samson and Rae stood out in a defence that endured a torrid afternoon in nightmare conditions for any backline. The three inside forwards can also take credit for earning a point in one of the most eventful games of the season so far.

Match report written by Stuart McBay