Clydebank 2
Motherwell 2
Friendly

Match Report

Clydebank gave top-flight visitors Motherwell an unexpected scare in a lively midweek friendly under the Kilbowie Park floodlights, taking a two goal lead before being pegged back in a spirited second-half fightback.

These Tuesday night matches had become something of a tradition for the Bankies during the 1960s, often hosting clubs from the higher division. Whether designed to test new formations, give fringe players a run-out, or simply capitalise on a gap in the visitors’ schedule, they usually provided entertaining football—and this one was no exception.

The young and energetic Clydebank side started brightly and quickly took the game to their more illustrious opponents. Right-winger Joe Rankin opened the scoring on 25 minutes with a stunning 25-yard drive that left the visiting keeper with no chance. The home support, around 1,200 strong, had even more to cheer before the interval when Willie McCallum doubled the lead during a goalmouth scramble, giving the Bankies a well-earned 2–0 advantage at the break.

Motherwell made changes for the second half, introducing Cairney in place of left-winger Moffat, and the switch paid dividends. Cairney set up McCall, who finished from close range to reduce the deficit. The momentum swung in the visitors' favour, and in the 64th minute they drew level with a spectacular 40-yard strike from Murray that flew past Sandy McLachlan.

Motherwell thought they had snatched a winner when Campbell found the net late on, but the effort was ruled out for offside by referee Mr. Syme.

Though they faded somewhat in the second half, Clydebank had more than held their own, and their sharp, attacking play in the first 45 minutes left a strong Motherwell side momentarily shell-shocked. It was a commendable performance against top-tier opposition and a useful exercise in what has become a valuable fixture type for the developing Bankies side.

Match report written by Stuart McBay