Match Report
Clydebank's hopes of challenging for the Combined Reserve League title suffered another setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Airdrie Reserves at Kilbowie Park.
With the season entering its closing stages, the Bankies' prospects of retaining the league flag were already fading. Although they still had games in hand, their realistic target had become second place, and dropped points against Airdrie did little to aid that pursuit.
The home side made an excellent start and might have taken the lead after only two minutes when Billy Horn passed up a good opportunity. The winger quickly made amends, however, and three minutes later produced a fine solo run before finishing confidently to put Clydebank ahead.
The lead lasted only five minutes. A mistake by Ronnie Wilson presented Morrison with a simple chance and the Airdrie centre-forward accepted the gift to bring the visitors level.
Clydebank responded positively and both Horn and Tony Moy came close with impressive individual efforts, but neither could find the finishing touch when through on goal.
Airdrie continued to play some attractive football and their persistence was rewarded nine minutes before the interval. Fowler collected possession on the right and beat Wilson with an excellent strike to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The Bankies emerged from the dressing room determined to respond and drew level within three minutes of the restart. Jimmy Hodgson supplied a neat pass into the path of Moy, who finished confidently to make it 2-2.
The remainder of the match was keenly contested, with both sides searching for a winning goal. Hodgson came desperately close from a free-kick which sailed over the defensive wall and beyond goalkeeper McLaughlan, only to rebound off the angle of crossbar and post.
Clydebank's best chance arrived later in the half following a clever attacking move involving Moy and Hodgson. Moy's header was pushed away by McLaughlan, but the rebound fell kindly for Hodgson. With the goal at his mercy, the centre-forward headed over the crossbar.
Despite their greater share of the chances, the Bankies were unable to find a decisive third goal and had to settle for a draw against a capable Airdrie side.
Match report written by Stuart McBay
