Clydebank 0
Motherwell 4
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank's patched-up defence, missing the dependable Dick Madden in goal due to illness, proved no match for a rampant Motherwell side at Kilbowie Park. Despite spirited efforts from young Brian Sheerin, the Bankies were ultimately outclassed by the Second Division leaders in a 4-0 defeat.

The opening exchanges were a fairly even contest, with both teams struggling to adjust to the firm pitch. However, it was Sheerin who consistently troubled the Motherwell defence with his pace and raiding runs down the left wing. He almost fashioned a breakthrough in the 10th minute, slaloming through the Motherwell backline before being thwarted by a desperate challenge from right-back Whiteford at the last moment.

This missed opportunity proved costly. Whiteford's clearance sparked a swift Motherwell counter-attack that ended with the ball finding its way to outside right Wilson. He surged forward before laying it off to McInally, who coolly slotted an eight-yard effort past the out-of-position Brady.

Four minutes later, the lead doubled. Forsyth unleashed a powerful shot from distance, and although Brady managed to get a hand to it, the rebound fell perfectly for Deans, who swept the ball into the net.

The remainder of the first half was a one-sided affair. Clydebank, lacking cohesion and defensive solidity, struggled to contain Motherwell's relentless attacking waves. Motherwell continued to dominate after the restart, with Clydebank offering little resistance. The third goal arrived in the 56th minute, with Forsyth meeting a right-wing cross with a delightful volley that left Brady with no chance.

In a desperate attempt to spark a comeback, the Bankies replaced Sheerin with young Gerry O'Brien in the 57th minute. However, the change had little impact as Motherwell continued to control the game.

Clydebank did have their moments, with Hawkshaw coming close from a Rutherford free-kick just past the hour mark. The woodwork also denied O'Brien a consolation goal in the 81st minute, his long-range effort crashing against the upright.

The final blow came three minutes from time when Henderson clumsily brought down Murray inside the box. The Motherwell forward stepped up to take the penalty himself, coolly dispatching it into the corner of the net to put the final nail in the Clydebank coffin.

The Clydebank faithful made their feelings known with chants of "Pull yer socks up Bankies. Yer tripping over them!" echoing around Kilbowie Park at the final whistle. This result served as a stark reminder of the gulf in class between the two sides and the areas where Clydebank need to improve before they can compete with the top teams in the division.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay