QotS Reserves 0
Clydebank 2
League (Combined Reserve League - 1st Series)

Match Report

Clydebank returned to league duty with a workmanlike 2–0 win over Queen of the South Reserves at a cold and uninspiring Palmerston Park—a match that offered little in the way of excitement for the sparse crowd.

The early exchanges were largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. The first real chance of the match fell to the home side around the 20-minute mark, when a goalmouth scramble could—and probably should—have resulted in a Queens opener. But a lack of conviction in front of goal saw the opportunity wasted.

It was Clydebank who struck first, just minutes later. Winger McLeish opened the scoring with a well-taken effort from the right flank, beating the keeper with a precise shot that gave Bankies a somewhat fortunate lead.

The remainder of the half was dominated by scrappy midfield play, with neither side showing much in the way of penetration. Clydebank keeper Ronnie Wilson had one nervous moment when a shot from the Queens left wing almost crept over the line, but he managed to trap the ball with his foot just in time.

Ten minutes before the break, controversy struck. Clydebank’s young wing half Eddie Jenkins was shown a red card by the referee—his first official appearance for the club after being called up from Maryhill Harp. The decision stunned players and spectators alike. Jenkins had become entangled in a tackle and, while attempting to extract himself, was deemed to have acted dangerously. Clydebank have since submitted a formal protest to the SFA regarding the dismissal.

Despite being down to ten men, Clydebank continued to look the better side. Connelly led the line well and received solid backing from the half-backs.

The second half had barely settled before Clydebank doubled their lead. A direct free kick from Tony Moy was struck low and true, beating the Queens keeper to effectively settle the contest.

The final half hour offered little more than dreary midfield exchanges. Queen of the South enjoyed a fair share of possession, but were undone by poor coordination and a lack of drive in the final third.

A positive note for the Bankies was the debut of 19-year-old right back Graham Small, signed from Maryhill Juniors after impressing as a trialist against Berwick Rangers. He slotted in well on his first official outing and looks a promising addition to the squad.

Clydebank may not have dazzled, but they got the job done—and maintained their strong position at the top of the Combined Reserve League.

Match report written by Stuart McBay