Clydebank 3
Rangers 'B' 1
League (Combined Reserve League - 1st Series)

Match Report

Clydebank’s hopes of claiming the Combined Reserve League title received another major boost with a well-earned 3–1 victory over Rangers' third team at New Kilbowie. In front of a crowd of 1,400, the Bankies continued their fine form and maintained their position at the top of the table.

The home side were slow to find their rhythm in the early stages and were put under pressure by a lively Rangers outfit. However, the Clydebank defence, marshalled by the dependable Archie Rankin, held firm. Their first real attack proved decisive, as a neat flick from Horn on the right in the 17th minute played in Hodgson, who clinically opened the scoring.

Rangers responded strongly and were nearly level soon after when Paterson took advantage of a scramble in the Clydebank box, but Wark was on hand to clear off the line. The visitors continued to press and were eventually rewarded just before the break, when Paterson latched onto a long pass from full-back Stewart and calmly slotted home past the stranded Wilson.

After the interval, the match grew more physical, with three Rangers players – McLardy, goalkeeper Eadie, and Sutherland – all suffering knocks following heavy challenges from the Clydebank forwards. Despite this, Rangers remained competitive, but they found Clydebank keeper Ronnie Wilson in outstanding form. Time and again he denied the Ibrox side with a string of superb saves.

The breakthrough for the Bankies came midway through the second half with a moment of fortune. Tony Moy's speculative effort from all of 35 yards seemed harmless enough, but goalkeeper Eadie misjudged it completely, letting the ball squirm through his hands and into the net. It was a gift, but the Bankies weren’t complaining.

Moy made sure of the points ten minutes from time, this time showing no luck was required as he rifled home from close range after a sustained spell of pressure. It was a composed finish that underlined Clydebank’s growing confidence and dominance in this league campaign.

The result further cemented Clydebank’s credentials as serious title contenders, with their blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity once again on display.

Match report written by Stuart McBay