Clydebank 2
Rangers 4
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Match Report

Rangers fielded predominantly a reserve side bolstered by Derek Ferguson and ex-Bankies hero Davie Cooper. The two South African trialists were also in the squad. Whereas Clydebank had re-signing rebels Joe Dickson and John Davies starting the match

Rangers were the first to threaten as McSwegan’s shot went narrowly past the post in the third minute. The right flank of the home defence was constantly being exposed by the speed of Madigage and another effort by McSwegan was well save by Gallacher in the eleventh minute.

Bankies however were playing their usual neat football and new signing Jimmy Robertson was very much to the fore setting up a chance for Bryce, but Hamilton in the Rangers goal was quickly out to smother the danger.

The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute when a Cooper free kick found the unmarked Scott Nisbet who easily headed home.

This spurred the home side and after a narrow offside decision against Ken Eadie, Owen Coyle equalised in the 34th minute. He turned in a fine cross from Harvey which Hamilton just failed to keep out of the net.

After the break Clydebank almost took the lead immediately but Coyle delayed his shot too long in the presence of several defenders and he shot wide under pressure. The goal was only delayed two more minutes as Tommy Bryce rounded Hamilton after a great pass by Jim Rodger and rolled the ball into the net from fifteen yards.

Despite the Bankies holding the lead, it was Rangers who now looked more likely to get the next goal due to the promptings of Madigage. It was the South African who set up another chance for McSwegan, but Jim Gallacher was there to block his drive. The Bankies were still a threat however, and Tommy Bryce was denied his second goal when his spectacular overhead kick was brilliantly palmed over the bar by Hamilton.

The defining moment of the match came in the 73rd minute when Bankies keeper was carried off the pitch following a clash with Gary McSwegan. Full Back Joe Dickson had to put the gloves on meaning young Martin Thomson made his first team debut.

With the Bankies tiring, and without a proper goalkeeper, Rangers took full advantage to ram in three goals in the last seven minutes. Madigage got the first and Rangers second of the evening when he lashed a twenty yarder into the bottom corner beyond the helpless Dickson. McSwegan added the third when he squeezed the ball home from a tight angle and Gus McPherson finished off with the fourth in injury time.