Clydebank 1
Berwick Rangers 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank started the match with a bang, earning a penalty in just the fifth minute. Alan Munro, the Clydebank centre-forward, was brought down in the penalty area, and Ian Hawkshaw stepped up coolly to slot the spot-kick into the corner of the net.

Despite the early lead, Clydebank failed to capitalise on their advantage. The Berwick defence, initially stunned by the penalty, regrouped and managed to keep the young Bankies at bay. Hawkshaw had a chance to double the lead in the 15th minute but his shot sailed wide of the post.

Clydebank continued to press forward, with Hay forcing a spectacular save from Berwick's player-manager Jock Wallace with a long-range effort in the 20th minute. However, a blow struck Berwick when their centre-forward Jim Hamilton was forced off with a knee injury midway through the first half.

The second half saw a complete transformation in Berwick. They emerged from the break with renewed vigour, unsettling the Clydebank youngsters with their attacking intent. Dick Madden, the Clydebank goalkeeper, was called into action on several occasions, denying shots from Dowds and Brown.

The pressure eventually paid off for Berwick in the 81st minute. Substitute Jones found himself unmarked in the box and tapped home the equaliser after a Hamilton pass.

The goal ignited the game, with both sides throwing caution to the wind. Chances were created at both ends, with the woodwork being rattled on a couple of occasions. Young Jimmy Caskie, playing on the left wing for Clydebank, nearly snatched a late winner with a clever lob that forced Jock Wallace into a acrobatic save.

The final whistle blew on a pulsating encounter. While Clydebank will be disappointed to have surrendered their lead, they can take credit for their spirited performance, especially in the first half. Berwick, on the other hand, will be relieved to have salvaged a point after a poor first-half showing. This match ultimately proved to be a tale of two halves, with both teams showcasing their fighting spirit.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay