Clydebank 4
QotS Reserves 0
League (Combined Reserve League - 1st Series)

Match Report

Clydebank turned in one of their most convincing performances of the season so far with a commanding 4–0 victory over Queen of the South Reserves at Kilbowie. The home side dominated from start to finish, with Jimmy Hodgson emerging as the key figure in the forward line, netting twice in the first half and playing a major role in the overall performance.

The match began at a steady pace, with little to note in the early stages, but it sprang to life in the 15th minute when Hodgson took advantage of a defensive lapse to score with a well-taken finish after a poor clearance. The goal boosted Clydebank’s confidence, and they began to assert control over the match.

Queen of the South had their moments, mainly through centre-forward Reid, who linked well with Smith to carve out a couple of decent chances, but their finishing lacked conviction. Clydebank’s inside forwards, Hodgson and Horn, were a constant menace, troubling the visiting defence throughout.

Ten minutes before the break, Hodgson grabbed his second goal of the game. After having two initial efforts blocked by keeper Wallace and his defenders, Hodgson showed great persistence to slot home at the third attempt, sending the Bankies in at half-time with a deserved two-goal lead.

The second half got off to a worrying start for the home side when winger O'Brien was forced off with an ankle injury just minutes after the restart. Despite being reduced to ten men, Clydebank didn't let up. In the 54th minute, McLeish fired in a shot that Wallace failed to hold, and Queen’s right-back Sutherland unfortunately turned the rebound into his own net under pressure.

The fourth goal came in the 63rd minute and was the pick of the bunch for. Centre forward Bustard read a back-pass from centre-half Carter, intercepted it with ease, and coolly rolled the ball past the stranded Wallace as if he weren’t there.

With the result now beyond doubt, Clydebank eased off and allowed Queen’s to enjoy more possession, but the visitors were unable to break down a solid and disciplined home defence.

This was a fine showing from the Bankies, who not only looked sharp going forward but showed real steel in defence, even when down to ten men. The result sets them up nicely for their upcoming Scottish Qualifying Cup tie against Gala Fairydean, and on this form, they’ll take some stopping.

Match report written by Stuart McBay