Arbroath 3
Clydebank 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

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How the other side saw it
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Arbroath secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Clydebank at Gayfield Park on Wednesday night, but their performance left their supporters far from impressed.

Despite dominating possession, Arbroath struggled to convert their chances in the first half. Their play lacked urgency, and it wasn't until after the break that they truly asserted themselves.

Clydebank offered little resistance, both defensively and offensively. However, Arbroath still found it difficult to find the net, even missing a twice-taken penalty.

Both sides made substitutions at the start of the second half due to injuries. Arbroath's Jim Cant, with suspected concussion, was replaced by Finnie at inside-left. Clydebank's McDonald, suffering from a thigh injury, was substituted by Russell.

Arbroath started the second half brightly, with Cant and Pierson combining well. However, Pierson squandered the opportunity with a poor shot.

Jack appeared to have put Arbroath ahead soon after, but his effort was ruled offside. The home side continued to press, with Easton narrowly missing with a header following a good cross from the right.

Wilkie nearly created a breakthrough with a well-timed run onto a through ball, forcing Wilson to come out and concede a corner. Arbroath continued to threaten, with Cant forcing a diving save from Wilson and Jack heading over from a corner.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute when Cargill headed home a cross from Jack.

Clydebank offered a rare attacking threat through McCallum, but his effort went wide.

Arbroath were then awarded a controversial penalty three minutes before half-time when McDonald was penalised for handball. Kennedy stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Wilson saved it. The referee, however, adjudged Wilson to have moved off his line before the kick was taken. Kennedy's retake was again saved by the impressive Wilson.

The second half began with a chance for Clydebank to equalise, but Newman sent his effort straight into the hands of Arbroath goalkeeper Williamson from close range.

Arbroath continued to press. Wilkie nearly set up a goal with a dangerous low cross, and Finnie saw his shot fly over the bar. After another good save from Wilson to deny Jack, the goalkeeper spilled the ball from a shot, resulting in a corner for Arbroath.

Wilson continued to impress, saving well from a powerful shot by Jack. Clydebank almost capitalised on a defensive error from Williamson in the 65th minute, but McCallum failed to convert from close range.

Arbroath finally doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Finnie converted a pass from Easton.

Two minutes later, the game was effectively sealed when Cargill's long ball exposed a defensive lapse, allowing Jack to run clear and fire home.

The only decent effort from Clydebank in the second half came from McCallum, whose shot was tipped over the bar by Williamson.