Largs Thistle 2
Clydebank 3
League (West Region Premiership)

Match Report

Clydebank broke their terrible run of results with a spirited victory against Largs Thistle at Barrfields Park. For long periods Largs were the better side and when the Ayrshire side took the lead just after half time it looked like another defeat for the Bankies. However, when Cammy McClair equalised with a fortunate cross/shot it transformed his team mates who seemed to find an extra yard in the last quarter of an hour. Most supporters would have taken a point but were thrilled to see Nicky Little latch on to a through ball and prod it past McGowan to take all three.

Once again, Gordon Moffat rang the changes in an attempt to arrest the losing streak with Darroch and Kennedy dropping to the bench with Cameron and McMenamin replacing them in defence. Connor Lynass also made way for Chris Black.

There is no doubt that Largs were the better side in general play for most of the first half, however the Bankies certainly gave a much better account of themselves than they had against Rob Roy last week. In terms of actual goal scoring chances it could be argued that Clydebank should have been ahead at the break rather than level at a goal apiece.

The Bankies first chance came after eight minutes when a disastrous pass across the box by McMaster was intercepted by Nicky Little. The front man side footed his shot wide of the target when a goal seemed certain. Largs responded immediately and Morrison in the Clydebank goal was unconvincing trying to deal with a back post cross. McBryde appeared to be impeded as he went for the loose ball, but referee Gentles was having none of it despite loud claims for a penalty.

Largs enjoyed their best spell after this and twice could have taken the lead from set pieces. It seems that Thistle always employ two giant central defenders and they are always a threat in the opposition box. Ex-Bankie Jamie Lyden was first up as he headed past from a corner kick. Then shortly afterwards, fellow defender Ross Love glanced a header just wide of the target from a free kick on the left hand side.

Clydebank came closest after 26 minutes when Gary McMenamin powered through the middle of the pitch only to be fouled, however Rowan picked up the loose ball and crashed a shot off the top of the bar with the keeper beaten.

The Bankies took heart from this and opened the scoring just five minutes from the break. Cammy McClair supplied the assist to Nicky Little and it seemed like an eternity before he got the ball under control and drilled it into the back of the net. Unfortunately the lead lasted barely two minutes as Scott Adam drew the sides level with a fine effort.

Within seven minutes of the re-start the Bankies found themselves behind for the first time. Slack play by Cameron saw him out of position as Black raced down the wing. He delivered a terrific low cross into the box which was met first time by McIntyre who steered the ball beyond Morrison at the far post.

The way things have been going recently, it looked like curtains for another week. However, on the positive side Largs were showing little goalmouth threat, but unfortunately neither were the Bankies. This all changed with a lucky break after seventy three minutes thanks to Cammy McClair. The winger received the ball on the right hand side and cut inside on to his left foot and curled it goalward. Whether it was a cross or a shot is debateable but the ball went right in the top corner at the far post.

Clydebank showed a lot more life after this and for the first time the home defence looked incredibly shaky. Nicky Little was looking more like his usual self as he began to pose the Largs defenders some serious problems. It all paid off with just four minutes left when Chris Black split the defence with a pin point pass. Little outpaced the Largs rear guard and kept his cool to prod it past McGowan to steal all three points.

What a relief for everyone to get this result. It was evident from the reaction on the terraces and in the dug out at the final whistle. The management still face fundamental challenges, but hopefully breaking the losing streak will give the players a bit more belief and we will see an upturn in fortunes, especially as the club face two difficult matches with the home league tie against Glenafton followed by the important West of Scotland cup match against Hurlford the week after.

Match report written by Stuart McBay