Match Report
Clydebank came within touching distance of a long-awaited first league victory, only for Stranraer to fight back before Tony Moy's second goal rescued a deserved point in an entertaining encounter at Stair Park.
The visitors made the perfect start after only four minutes. Alex Stewart's delivery found Tony Moy, who guided his header beyond Davie Thomson to give Clydebank an early lead. Buoyed by the breakthrough, the Bankies settled into the contest well, with John McGill producing an outstanding display at the heart of the defence.
For much of the opening hour Stranraer enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to find a way past the inspired Sandy MacLachlan. The Clydebank goalkeeper produced a series of fine saves, while McGill marshalled the defence superbly against his former club. At the other end, however, Clydebank's rigid 4-2-4 system sometimes left Davie Mitchell isolated in attack, preventing the visitors from building on their early advantage.
The home side finally drew level after 55 minutes. Joe McMurdo's high cross was met by John Hanlon, whose header was only parried by MacLachlan, allowing Bobby Jeffrey to force the rebound home from close range.
Ten minutes later the momentum appeared to have swung decisively in Stranraer's favour. Another aerial delivery caused problems and David Logan rose highest to head past MacLachlan, turning a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 lead.
Yet Clydebank refused to fold. They pushed forward with renewed purpose during the closing stages, Stewart and Moy combining to increasing effect down the left. Their persistence was rewarded in the 71st minute when Stewart supplied another dangerous ball into the box. Moy failed to make clean contact with his header, but Thomson fumbled the effort over the line to restore parity.
There was almost one final twist. Clydebank felt they had a strong claim for a penalty when Thomson failed to gather a loose ball before colliding with Davie Mitchell near the edge of the area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Although still searching for their first league victory, this was another encouraging display from Jack Steedman's improving side. Having twice surrendered winning positions in recent weeks, Clydebank showed resilience to recover after falling behind, while the performances of McGill and MacLachlan suggested the defensive foundations were becoming stronger. A first win no longer seemed quite so distant.
Match report written by Stuart McBay
