Stranraer 1
Clydebank 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank's attacking duo of Fleming and Moy were left frustrated at Stair Park, repeatedly flagged offside by Stranraer's double pivot of Lawlor and Heap. Fleming, particularly in the first half, was the main culprit, constantly caught straying beyond the defensive line. Moy, unfortunately, followed suit, limiting their attacking impact.

Without their twin forwards finding space, Clydebank struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their rigid passing patterns and over-reliance on wingers O'Brien and Rutherford proved ineffective against Stranraer's well-organised midfield.

The only goal credited to Moy was a fortunate one. His header took a deflection off Lawlor, sending the ball trickling over the line past a stranded MacLachlan. The first half was a cagey affair, devoid of any real excitement.

Stranraer lost McQueen to a tackle by Henderson just before half time, but substitute Grieve failed to inject any pace into their attack. Stan King, facing his former club, had a quiet game, primarily operating as a defensive sweeper. His best moment came late on, flashing a shot just wide after a quick exchange with O'Brien.

This effort was eclipsed by veteran Dave Logan's thunderous drive, brilliantly headed clear by the impressive Henderson, Clydebank's standout defender. Stranraer finally equalised in the 69th minute, capitalising on a lapse in concentration by the Clydebank defence. McMillan's in-swinging corner found Campbell, whose header was flicked on by McLardie past a helpless Dunne.

Stranraer had a couple of penalty shouts turned down, with Dunne adjudged to have made a fair challenge on McMillan and Campbell escaping a potential yellow card for a challenge on a bursting Clydebank defender. Hay was also fortunate to escape a red card for a reckless tackle on Callaghan, receiving only a warning from the referee.

Despite dominating possession, Clydebank's failure to utilise their wingers effectively cost them two valuable points. This draw extended Stranraer's run of poor form to five months, with Montrose being their only league scalp in that period.

In other news, Clydebank bolstered their squad with the signing of young winger Gerry O'Brien from Drumchapel Amateurs. This addition brings the total number of young players in the squad to nine. Maurice Dunne, a former Dumbarton goalkeeper, has also been signed to provide cover for the injured Dick Madden, who is unlikely to return this season.

Finally, Clydebank's youth team received a boost with the signing of John McGunnigle from Langholm Juveniles. He joins Jim Fallon, Alan Munro, and Gerry O'Brien, all of whom have represented the Scottish Youth Team. Notably, Douglas Hay, previously a member of the National side, has signed professional terms with the club, making him ineligible to play in the youth setup anymore.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay