Motherwell 2
Clydebank 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Motherwell's reputation for free-flowing football faced a stern challenge from a tactically astute Clydebank side. While the Steelmen secured a 2-1 victory, their usual dominance was absent, and the young Bankies were unlucky not to snatch a point.

Clydebank's game plan was simple yet effective. They lured Motherwell into attacking positions, then pounced on any mistakes with swift counter-attacks. This tactic exposed weaknesses in Motherwell's build-up play, as their midfield struggled to link effectively. The Clydebank defence, marshaled by the impressive Fallon who nullified the threat of Deans, frustrated the home attack all afternoon.

However, Clydebank's decision to rely on high balls into the box proved their undoing. Motherwell's towering defenders comfortably dealt with these aerial threats.

Despite this tactical misstep, Clydebank matched Motherwell in most aspects of the game. Their passing and movement in midfield were particularly impressive, with Hawkshaw a constant thorn in Motherwell's side. Notably, goalkeeper Madden kept them in the game with a couple of crucial saves in the opening stages, denying both a Whiteford free-kick and a McInally header.

Motherwell did start brightly, pinning Clydebank back. A scorching free-kick from Whiteford rattled the crossbar, followed by a goal-line clearance by Fallon to deny McInally's header. The pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Forsyth found the net for the home side.

Clydebank responded well, and a moment of brilliance from Hawkshaw brought them level on the half-hour mark. Collecting the ball in his own area, he embarked on a mazy run before unleashing a spectacular 30-yard strike that left the Motherwell goalkeeper helpless.

The second half saw Motherwell regain control, but clear opportunities remained scarce. Eventually, they managed to break through again in the 61st minute, with Wilson finding the net with a long-range effort.

While the final scoreline suggests otherwise, Clydebank's performance was commendable. They frustrated a highly-rated Motherwell side and displayed a tactical awareness and attacking prowess that bodes well for the future. Several players deserve credit, with Madden, Mitchell, Fallon, Love, Hawkshaw, and Caskie all putting in strong performances. For Motherwell, Whiteford, Wark, McCallum, McInally, and Forsyth were their standout players on a night where their usual fluency was absent.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay