Auchinleck Talb 1
Clydebank 1
League (WoSFL Premier)

Match Report

A point apiece was just about the right result in a game that never got anywhere near the heights of previous encounters between the clubs, as both Clydebank and Auchinleck have bigger fish to fry in the coming weeks.

For the Bankies it was about putting in a better performance than the one against Largs last week that led to the loss of the unbeaten record in the league, and keeping the engine turning over for the prospective Lowland League play-off matches in the middle of next month. Talbot have a cup final themselves next weekend in the West of Scotland Cup, and that was no doubt in the back of their minds.

It was a competitive enough match, as they always are when these two sides meet, and it did threaten to boil over on occasion. However, the lid just about managed to stay on, and it makes you wonder how explosive this game would have been had it had any real meaning attached to it.

Overall, it was a fairly low-quality game with too many stray passes. The Bankies probably had the better of the first half chances and Talbot gaining the upper hand in the second period, particularly towards the end when Max Clarke had a couple of fine saves, redeeming himself for his earlier error which gifted Talbot their equaliser.

From a Clydebank point of view, we were too reckless in forward positions and gave the ball away needlessly. We lacked just that little bit of fluency, and Talbot were almost able to take advantage of that on the turnarounds which is their speciality. However, the Bankies defended much better this week on the whole despite missing a couple of players but were boosted by the return of Matt Niven for his first game since January.

It was perhaps fitting that such a scrappy game was decided by two penalty kicks. The Bankies took the lead from the spot after 22 minutes when a blocked Nicky Low shot took a wicked spin and bounced up onto the hand of Neill McPherson for a clear penalty.

Nicky Little put the ball away with his usual aplomb for his 29th goal, taking him to a season’s best total for the Bankies having twice finished on 28 in the past.

Talbot’s penalty response came in first half stoppage time, and it shows the importance of decision making from your goalkeeper. Young Max Clarke came a long way for a ball he shouted for and didn’t get, bringing down a Talbot forward in the box in the process. Ewan Thomson gladly put the ball past Clarke from the spot for an avoidable goal.

Other than that, a Nicky Low piledriver that keeper Armour almost spilled into his own net, and a Nicky Little shot from a corner which was cleared off the line were the best two opportunities the Bankies had to score in the first half.

The Bankies didn’t make the Talbot keeper have any saves of note in the second half, as the aforementioned carelessness in possession became more prevalent. All too often, heads were raised to the sky as another makeable pass didn’t reach its target. Nicky Low in particular was seen to be venting his spleen at some of his team-mate’s efforts.

Talbot looked the more likely in the closing stages with substitute Kenzie Mitchell causing a fair few problems down the left wing. A corner to the back post which was headed downwards was well blocked by the legs of Clarke, and the keeper made a fine diving save from Mitchell as he latched onto a long ball which took out the Bankies defence.

On most occasions you would be happy enough with a point at Beechwood Park, and with not a whole lot to play for then neither side will be especially disappointed with the outcome of this match.

Next week will be a historic afternoon as we entertain Glenafton at Holm Park in our last home league match of the season. We will be hoping to see a huge crowd as the West of Scotland Premier League Cup will be presented to the Bankies.

It has been a long wait for Clydebank supporters to witness such an occasion, and there may be the odd tear shed. It will be particularly poignant for captain Nicky Little who will lift the trophy on his 300th appearance for the club. He will become just the 12th ever player to reach this landmark on a record-breaking season where he became Clydebank’s all-time highest goalscorer.

You never know it might be another 20 years before we do this again (hopefully not), so don’t miss the chance to join in the celebrations.

Match report written by Stuart McBay