Clydebank 2
Stranraer 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank defied the odds to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against Stranraer at Kilbowie Park. This battling performance showcased a resolute defence and an attack spearheaded by the brilliance of Ian Hawkshaw and young Brian Sheerin.

Disaster struck early for the Bankies when Stranraer's outside left wizard Campbell, danced past young centre-forward Jimmy Caskie in the opening minute. He raced towards goal, lured keeper Madden out of his position, and coolly slotted the ball into the net.

Stunned by this early setback, Clydebank found themselves facing a daunting task. Stranraer possessed a clear physical advantage, coupled with greater experience. By half-time, the scoreline reflected this dominance, with the visitors leading 2-0.

However, the Bankies refused to crumble. Their forward line, spearheaded by the exceptional Hawkshaw and the promising Sheerin, proved a constant threat to the Stranraer defence. While the visitors' backline held firm for the most part, goalkeeper MacLachlan was forced to make several key saves.

The fightback began in the 10th minute. Hawkshaw surged down the left wing before finding Love, but the Clydebank forward's shot sailed over the bar. Stranraer nearly doubled their lead in the 34th minute when inside-left Symington inexplicably fluffed a sitter from close range. He could only watch in disbelief as his miss resulted in a comical display of frustration on the Kilbowie turf.

Stranraer did manage to extend their lead just before halft-ime. A free kick from Heap found Barbour unmarked in the box, and the striker made no mistake, sending the ball into the top corner.

The second half saw a revitalised Clydebank team. They emerged with a vengeance, determined to overturn the deficit. Stranraer suffered a blow in the 55th minute when influential defender Taggart was forced off injured after a tackle on Mitchell.

The tide began to turn in the 51st minute. A Fallon cross found Hawkshaw, who unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that left the Stranraer keeper with no chance. Five minutes later, the Clydebank hero struck again. Caskie's looping pass found Hawkshaw at the goal line, and the midfielder displayed his aerial prowess with a headed effort that beat the goalkeeper.

The match, however, was marred by some unnecessary roughness. Referee Currie was forced to intervene after a scuffle broke out between Clydebank's Love and Stranraer's Barbour. Both players were rightly booked for their indiscretion. Brockett of Clydebank also found his name in the referee's notebook for dissent in the closing stages.

Despite the blemishes, this was a performance brimming with spirit and determination from Clydebank. They battled back from a seemingly unassailable position, showcasing their attacking potential and defensive resilience. With Hawkshaw in scintillating form, the Bankies will be a force to be reckoned with in the Second Division.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay