Clydebank 2
Stenhousemuir 3
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank brought the curtain down on their first full league campaign in disappointing fashion at New Kilbowie, throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3–2 against Stenhousemuir in a match that neatly encapsulated the inconsistency of their season’s end.

The Bankies looked to be cruising after goals from Frank Russell and Tony Moy put them in command early in the second half, but a dramatic collapse saw the visitors strike three times in the space of eight minutes to snatch both points and leave the home support — sparse though it was — in disbelief.

Just 423 fans were in attendance, perhaps a sign of how far the season had fizzled after earlier highs. Clydebank lacked the fighting spirit they had shown against the likes of Morton, Motherwell, and Stirling Albion, and their slackness was ruthlessly punished by a Stenhousemuir side that refused to lie down.

The game began quietly, with neither side making the most of early opportunities. Play was scrappy and uncertain until Russell opened the scoring on 15 minutes, lashing the ball through a crowded goalmouth to give the Bankies the lead.

Clydebank dominated the remainder of the half without adding to their tally, but struck again just two minutes after the restart. Tony Moy seized on a poor pass back intended for Kinross, raced in on goal, and confidently fired past keeper Samson to make it 2–0.

That should have been the platform for a comfortable win — instead, it was the beginning of a dramatic downfall.

Stenhousemuir’s centre-forward Elliot began the comeback on 57 minutes, finishing from close range after MacLachlan failed to hold an initial effort. The Bankies keeper, who endured a poor afternoon, was again exposed six minutes later when McAllister drilled a shot through the legs of Graham Small and into the net, leaving MacLachlan with no chance.

With Clydebank’s defence in disarray, the visitors completed the turnaround just two minutes later. McGregor, who had been outstanding in the second half, latched on to an Elliot pass inside the six-yard box and made no mistake.

From there, the Warriors comfortably saw out the match, while Clydebank — stunned by the reversal — offered little in response.

It was a bitter end to the season for the Kilbowie men, whose strong spells earlier in the campaign faded into a disappointing finish. The late-game collapse summed up their recent form: flashes of quality undone by lapses in focus and organisation.

Match report written by Stuart McBay