Glenafton Ath 1
Clydebank 1
League (WoSFL Premier)

Match Report

The Bankies used up one of their games in hand on their nearest rivals and managed to extend the lead at the top of the table to four points whilst keeping the unbeaten start to the league season intact.

A one all draw at an in-form Glenafton wasn’t the worst result in the world, however there will be disappointment that we were unable to convert one of the game winning opportunities in the second half as we pressed for the full three points.

Glenafton were always dangerous on the break, with goalscorer and ex-Hurlford United striker Michael Mullen carrying a threat, and former Partick Thistle and Dundee United forward, Chris Erskine’s nous still causing problems for the Bankies defence despite being almost 38 years of age.

A dull, damp day at Loch Park in the middle of December is not the most ideal of surroundings for the Bankies who like to move the ball around on the deck, but the grass pitch held up reasonably well throughout. It wasn’t helped by the second lowest crowd the Bankies have played in front of this season with barely 100 home fans making the effort to turn out for this game.

It wasn’t as though we didn’t know what to expect however, and the first half was fairly even with the ball spending way too much time in the air. The Clydebank defence and midfield were trying to keep the ball down, but a Glenafton side unbeaten in five coming into this game were motivated and making it difficult at every turn.

There were very few goalscoring opportunities in the first half, but the Bankies could have twice made the break through in quick succession after fifteen minutes. Ciaran Mulcahy supplied the first with a deft chip to the back post for Nicky Little who from a tight angle managed to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper only to see his effort rebound off the outside of the post.

The ball was cleared, but quickly recycled by the Bankies midfield. Liam McGonigle was the beneficiary of a lucky break and he was defied by Markey in the home goal. As the ball spilled out to Nicky Little, the keeper made it a remarkable double save as he blocked with his legs.

Glenafton for their part had some moments, but only one decent shot when McHugh – who had an afternoon to forget – headed the ball straight into Chris Erskine’s path. The striker wheeled round and shot from outside the box, but it was comfortably wide of Leishman’s right hand post. The big keeper was back between the sticks after three months out with a finger injury.

Clydebank have been remarkably consistent this season, but it can be frustrating at times that we need a trigger to get us into gear. This was evident last week, and it was a similar story here, as we fell behind early in the first half. In fairness, we had been showing more intent after the restart, but a daft foul given away by Cairns as he looked to be venting frustration at a bad tackle on him moments earlier, gave Glenafton the chance to launch the ball into the box.

From the cross ball, It was a bread and butter clearance but it was poorly executed and the ball fell for Mullen on the edge of the box and he drilled it into the bottom corner giving Leishman no chance.

In a tight game with few chances, there was definite concern that we wouldn’t be able to pull the deficit back, but we were back on terms just eight minutes later. It was a wonderful through ball by Nicky Little on the turn, and he found Ciaran Mulcahy who prodded home for his seventh goal of the season.

After this it looked like there was going to be only one winner, as Glenafton retreated further back into their half. As a result, Clydebank turned the screw and began to create chances.

Gallacher broke through on the right-hand, and his attempted pull back was almost deflected in at the near post but Markey managed to scoop the ball away for a corner, then McGonigle went close with a shot as the ball fell for him in the box.

The introduction of Truesdale and Samson signalled an all-out assault on the Glens goal, with the former being instrumental in creating the best chance for the Bankies. As the ball made it’s way across the box, it evaded everyone bar Ciaran Mulcahy, but with the whole goal to aim for he blasted the ball over the bar.

Moments later, the striker was out of luck again, when he first timed a neat Adam Hodge towards the goal, but Markey excelled himself again with a great block with his legs.

The home side were never out of it, and could have snatched the winner themselves. Oisin McHugh, not once, but twice was dispossessed trying shepherd the ball out for a goal kick and got his team-mates into trouble. On one occasion his desperate attempt to clear only succeeded in finding Mullen at the edge of the box. Leishman saved well from the striker, but there was huge relief when Willet belted the rebound over the bar.

The Bankies continued to the very last to take home the points, and a deflected shot from Dean Cairns was the last action. Unfortunately, the ball skidded into the arms of the waiting goalkeeper.

Overall, it was a tough game that we should have won on balance, but could also have quite easily lost so we take the positives and move on.

We haven’t been quite at it recently, and personally I’m quite happy to accept whatever happens next week at Arthurlie in the South Challenge Cup and be ready for the tests that await us in January. With the last Saturday in December being a week off it gives the players a chance to recharge their batteries.

Taking the Hibernian game out of the equation, we have three home games against Benburb, Troon and Shotts at the turn of the year. We have to be targeting all nine points out of the nine available. If we can achieve that it will put incredible pressure on our rivals to match us. The game at Easter Road will be a great occasion, but it is these three league games which really matter, and we need to make sure that is where the focus is directed at.

Match report written by Stuart McBay