Albion Rovers 0
Clydebank 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank recorded their first away win of the season with a confident 2–0 victory over Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill, a result that lifts them two places up the Division Two table and continues their recent revival.

The match didn’t begin in particularly encouraging fashion for the visitors, who took a while to find their rhythm. Rovers looked the more assertive side early on and even had the ball in the net through Andy Murphy in the 37th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out—the ball had gone out of play before Anderson's cross.

Despite this early pressure, Clydebank gradually found their feet. They were aided by another outstanding performance from goalkeeper Sandy McLachlan, who was again in inspired form. He denied the Rovers attack time and again, most notably frustrating inside-right Callaghan with a string of superb saves reminiscent of his heroics against Morton the previous week. Crucially, this time he remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. After a move initiated by John Cummings, Joe Rankin pounced on the loose ball to slot home with Rovers’ keeper Madden helpless on the ground. Ten minutes later, Frank Russell sealed the win with a fine solo effort—beating two defenders on the right before rifling the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Clydebank might well have added to their tally, but some slack finishing from the forward line kept the score down. They were missing the cutting edge normally provided by the absent Tony Moy, but the overall performance was nonetheless impressive.

There was a late setback when Cummings—only recently back in the side—was forced off with a leg injury twelve minutes from time. He was replaced by substitute Donnie McDonald.

Still, this was a convincing win and further evidence that Clydebank are starting to find their feet in senior football. After failing to win any of their opening 14 games, they now sit within striking distance of mid-table, with a trip to Montrose up next. If current form continues, the Bankies might yet finish their debut season in a respectable position.

Special mention must go to Eddie Jenkins, whose transformation over the season has been remarkable. The centre-half has developed into a powerful and intelligent presence in the heart of the side, symbolising Clydebank’s steady improvement as a unit.

Match report written by Stuart McBay