Forres 0
Clydebank 2
Scottish Cup (1st Preliminary Round)

Match Report

A merited victory for a clever Clydebank side which delighted the 1,368 spectators inside the Mosset Park enclosure.

Credit is also due to a gallant Forres Mechanics outfit who made their Second Division opponents fight all the way on a real stamina - testing muddy pitch.

A typical cup-tie contested in real sporting fashion.

The vital factor was the tactics adopted by the teams. Forres blundered badly in pursuing a close-passing, ball-greedy policy by their forwards who were too often caught in possession by the hard tackling of the Bankies' defenders.

This was reflected in the few direct shots handled by goalkeeper McDonald although he earned deserved applause for holding a fierce free kick by Forres left-winger Jim Buchan in the dying minutes.

Right-back David Mitchell can testify to the power of Buchan's left foot as he was floored after putting his head to a real blockbuster.

Forres's key players were goalkeeper Strachan and their half-back trio of Porter, Archibald, Meldrum.

Clydebank after a shaky first half settled down to a more methodical game after taking the lead and thereafter never looked like losing.

Star performers in a talented young team were Gray, Ruddy, Fallon, O'Brien, Munro and Caskie.

Forres made all the running during the first 15 minutes but lacked a sharpshooter when the openings were created.

Clydebank's fleeting raids were always fraught with danger and twice McGhee failed to connect with inviting crosses from Caskie.

Forres were handicapped when left-back Jim Crawford limped off with an ankle injury after 20 minutes and although he reappeared after five minutes he had finally to retire in the 60th minute, Charlie McHardy coming on as substitute.

Love tested Strachan with a fine 30-yard volley and O'Brien missed the Forres target by inches.

Play switched quickly from end to end but the interval arrived with the scoresheet blank.

Forres resumed in determined mood and had a penalty claim refused when Stuart went down after tricking three defenders.

Right-winger McLean sent an angular drive inches past the Clydebank upright with Macdonald well beaten.

After two lucky escapes the Forres goal fell in the 55th minute. Caskie released a 20 yard drive which was deflected well out of Strachan reach.

Forres claimed a second penalty when a defender handled a Porter free-kick but the referee was apparently unsighted

Profiting from this let-off McGee raced through and when tackled by Archibald the centre went sprawling in the mud.

It seemed a harsh penalty award but Fallon made no mistake from the spot to kill the Mechanics' challenge - time 63 minutes.

Forres harassed the Clydebank defence until the end but the visiting defence gave nothing away and they retired with the good wishes of the Forres team for their next round tussle with Queen's Park.