Clydebank 2
Ayr Utd 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank were left fuming after a dubious penalty decision denied them a deserved victory against Ayr United on Friday night. The match, rescheduled due to the Scotland-England clash, saw the Bankies fight their way back from a goal down, only to be pegged back in the dying moments.

Ayr dominated the first half, squandering a string of chances. Hawkshaw was the biggest culprit, blasting a golden opportunity well wide with the goalkeeper stranded. Clydebank, meanwhile, lacked cohesion in attack and their defence looked shaky.

A glimmer of hope emerged for the Bankies just before half-time. Hay unleashed a powerful shot that rebounded to Fleming, but the striker's pass to Moy was miscued and eventually cleared.

Dick Madden stood tall for Clydebank throughout the first half, pulling off several impressive saves. Ayr's main threat came from centre-forward Ingram, who kept the Bankies' backline on their toes.

Youngster Jimmy Caskie had a quiet first half in Baxter's absence. His sole attempt on goal lacked power, but it foreshadowed a dramatic change in fortunes for the Bankies.

Rutherford was the lone bright spark for Clydebank in the opening period, repeatedly exposing the Ayr defence with his runs. However, there was no one on the end of his crosses to capitalise.

Whatever half-time pep talk Steedman delivered worked wonders. The Bankies emerged a transformed side, playing with newfound fight and determination.

Their fightback was tested just after the break when Ingram, with Moore hesitant to challenge, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Madden. Moore could have stopped the attack earlier but hesitated a crucial split second.

This setback only spurred Clydebank on. They poured forward with renewed vigour, unsettling Ayr's composure. Caskie took advantage of the chaos, lofting a long-range effort that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot as it sailed into the net. The youngster celebrated wildly, his first goal for the senior team.

Hay was replaced by crowd favourite Tommy McGhee in the 70th minute.

The second half saw a surprising transformation in Fleming, who chased and battled for every ball with relentless energy.

Transfer-target Tony Moy further inflated his market value with a stunning strike in the 79th minute. Despite a hint of offside, he latched onto Fleming's pass, outpaced the Ayr defence, and rifled the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper into the corner of the net. A true classic goal.

Clydebank pushed for a winner, dominating the closing stages. However, disaster struck in the final three minutes. A controversial penalty decision awarded to Ayr left the crowd baying for the referee's blood. The ball struck Eddie Moore's hands inside the box. This was purely accidental but the ref was adamant. Malone stepped up and converted from the spot, snatching a point for the Honest Men.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay