Match Report
Already eliminated from League Cup contention, Clydebank ended their group campaign on a winning note with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Stenhousemuir at New Kilbowie Park.
With Brechin City having already secured qualification for the quarter-finals, there was little at stake beyond pride. Nevertheless, both sides produced an open, competitive encounter that provided plenty of excitement for the crowd.
Clydebank almost made the perfect start when John Cummings headed over from close range, but they deservedly opened the scoring after 19 minutes. Tommy McGhee delivered an inviting cross and Tony Moy glanced a fine header beyond Billy Cunningham.
The lead lasted only three minutes. Ernie Collumbine mis-kicked while attempting to clear his lines, allowing Bobby Black to seize on the loose ball and beat Ronnie Wilson for the equaliser.
The Bankies regained the initiative before the interval. After sustained pressure, John McGill struck a fierce shot beyond Cunningham in the 29th minute to restore Clydebank's advantage.
The home side began the second half brightly but again failed to shake off their determined visitors. Black drew Stenhousemuir level for a second time after 58 minutes when another defensive misunderstanding allowed him to intercept a misplaced pass, round Wilson and calmly slot into the empty net.
With the game finely balanced, both teams continued to attack in search of a winner. Clydebank found it twenty minutes from time when Donald McDonald surged down the left and whipped over a dangerous cross. Cunningham could only parry the ball on the goal-line and John Cummings reacted quickest to force home the rebound.
Stenhousemuir pressed strongly during the closing stages as their greater experience began to show, but Clydebank held firm to record only their second victory of the League Cup campaign.
Although there were still signs that the Bankies' adventurous 4-2-4 system required further refinement, the performance again demonstrated the enthusiasm and attacking potential of Jack Steedman's young side as they turned their full attention to the league programme.
Match report written by Stuart McBay
