Clydebank 3
Cowdenbeath 1
League Cup (Group 7)

Match Report

Sparkling Bankies had this game tied up in a presentation parcel and handed to them on a silver platter. After a sluggish start they pulled back on a one goal deficit to emerge with a two-goal victory.

Cowdenbeath's fate was sealed only six minutes after half-time when Clydebank were awarded a penalty. Outside-right Ian Hawkshaw was pulled down inside the box by centre-half Kinnell of Cowdenbeath.

Amidst protesting Cowdenbeath players referee Crawford pointed to the spot. Fallon took the kick and made no mistake, sending it into the corner of the net for Bankies third goal.

This was a cracker of a game. Cowdenbeath came out in the first half looking strong and determined. They drew first blood after only six minutes play...

This was as nice a goal as you could ever expect to see at Kilbowie. Inside-left Dickson made a brilliant solo run at goal, speeding into the penalty area; he flicked the ball over keeper Dick Madden to score.

Jimmy Caskie, son of the great 'Gers player, equalised 13 minutes later when he sent in a low 15-yarder. Keeper Wylie tried to save but he fumbled the ball, allowing Caskie to tap it home,

Jimmy is certainly doing his dad's name proud.

Many of the older supporters, who can remember the great Jimmy Caskie playing on the wing at Ibrox, are drawing comparisons in their styles, Jimmy's being very much like that of his father.

Tall, blond Alan Munro put 'Bankies into a well-deserved lead 10 minutes after Caskie's equaliser. A Dougie Hay shot had rebounded from Wyllie when Munro appeared out of nowhere to hammer home No. 2.

The second half was spoiled to a great extent by Cowdenbeath basing their defence on the offside rule. Time and again the Clydebank forwards slipped into attack only to be pulled up short and whistled offside. So much so that Cowdenbeath keeper Wylie hardly touched the ball during the second half.

Despite this the Clydebank forwards all had ample chances at the Cowdenbeath goal. It was hard luck that these shots were never quite on target.

Special mention must go to the two small lads who did so much on the Clydebank left wing, Gerry O’Brien, and Jimmy Caskie. Between them these two had the Cowdenbeath backs tied in knots.

Constant aggravation from Ian Hawkshaw and Alan Munro didn't help any, and Bobby Love was exceptional down the centre of the field.

In a bid to introduce some fresh life in the team Cowdenbeath substitute Morrison was sent on in place of outside-right Sharpe in the 76th minute.

Even this didn't help the visiting side. They could not find a way either round or through the Clydebank defence, no matter what they tried.

On the few occasions that the Cowdenbeath forwards did get past the Clydebank defence they still had to face Dick Madden, which might explain their lack of success.

Match report written by Oliver McGeachy (Clydebank Press)