Clydebank 1
East Fife Res 2
League (Combined Reserve League - 1st Series)

Match Report

Clydebank’s hopes of exacting revenge on East Fife for their opening-day defeat were dashed once again, as the visitors completed the double with a composed and clinical display at New Kilbowie.

Bankies came into the game determined to make a statement, but despite flashes of promise in midfield, they struggled where it mattered most—in front of goal. Their build-up play often impressed, but too many attacking moves broke down through poor finishing or a lack of composure in the final third.

East Fife, sitting near the top of the Combined Reserve League table, took a little while to settle, but once they found their rhythm, they looked the stronger and more organised side. Clydebank failed to capitalise on their early hesitancy, and the Fifers gradually took control.

Chances came and went for both sides in the first half. Clydebank's best opportunity fell to centre-forward Joe Rankin, who carved out an opening himself and sent a fierce drive goalwards, only to be denied by a superb save from McGann, whose deflected parry was mopped up by a covering defender. At the other end, an East Fife trialist nearly gave his side the lead with a low shot from close range, but the ball rebounded off the post with Wilson beaten.

The first half ended goalless, but it was East Fife who struck first after the break. A loose ball in the Bankies' box was pounced upon by Rutherford, who calmly slotted it home after 53 minutes. Clydebank’s defence had failed to clear their lines, and the visitors were quick to punish the mistake.

East Fife had a golden chance to double their advantage on the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Rutherford. The striker stepped up to take it himself but was denied by an excellent save from Ronnie Wilson, who dived low to his left to keep the Bankies in it.

Spurred on by the let-off, Clydebank pushed forward and got their reward in the 71st minute. Hodgson was the man on the spot, converting from close range to bring the sides level. It was no more than the Bankies deserved for their persistence.

But their joy was short-lived. Just minutes later, East Fife hit back through Watt, who netted what proved to be the winner. The visitors managed the remainder of the match well, frustrating Clydebank’s attempts to salvage a point.

Right-back Holloran was booked just before half-time, becoming the latest Bankie to find his name in the referee’s notebook in what is becoming a recurring trend.

Although both goalkeepers—Wilson for Clydebank and McGann for East Fife—were outstanding on the day and kept the scoreline respectable, it was the Fifers who showed the greater efficiency and discipline where it counted.

A second defeat to the same opposition will sting, and Clydebank will need to rediscover their scoring touch quickly if they are to stay in contention at the top of the table.

Match report written by Stuart McBay