Match Report
After nearly a month without a fixture due to poor weather and a shortage of available opponents, Clydebank returned to action with a friendly against Second Division side Stranraer at Kilbowie.
The muddy conditions made life difficult for both teams and contributed to a match in which several promising opportunities were wasted. Stranraer adapted more quickly and took the lead after only five minutes. Trialist Newman, making his debut after joining from Motherwell, created the opening and Murdoch applied the finish to put the visitors ahead.
Clydebank responded well to the early setback and levelled the scores after 20 minutes. A shot from Tony Moy crashed back off the crossbar and Joe Rankin reacted quickest to force the rebound into the net.
The scores remained level for only four minutes. Murdoch turned provider this time, supplying Hanlon with the opportunity to restore Stranraer's lead. Clydebank pushed for another equaliser before the interval but were unable to find a way through.
The visitors enjoyed the better of the second half and for long spells appeared to have the match under control. Ronnie Wilson was the standout performer for the Bankies during this period, producing a number of fine saves and earning warm applause from the home support.
Eventually the pressure told. McDonald collected a loose ball and calmly lifted his finish over Wilson to give Stranraer a two-goal advantage.
Only then did Clydebank begin to gain a foothold in the game. The home forwards started to find more space and looked increasingly dangerous as they pressed forward in search of a route back into the contest.
Their efforts were rewarded ten minutes from time when Joe Rankin scored his second goal of the afternoon to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The closing stages produced a frantic finale. Clydebank threw everything forward and pinned Stranraer back inside their own penalty area. In a dramatic last-minute scramble, efforts from the home attack struck both the woodwork and defenders as the visitors desperately clung to their lead.
Despite their late rally, Clydebank were unable to force an equaliser and Stranraer held on to claim victory in an entertaining encounter.
Match report written by Stuart McBay
