Clydebank 3
Partick Th 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

The Bankies moved into a strong second place in the Second Division following their convincing win against Partick Thistle at Kilbowie Park on Saturday. In a fast, even game Clydebank showed strength in all departments with a new-found cohesion and co-ordination.

In near perfect conditions and encouraged by a 6,000 strong crowd the game got under way with a pattern of crisp attacking football from both sides. Jags outside left McQuade spearheaded his team's first serious attack when he sent an in-swinging shot from the near side which went just wide, with keeper McDonald well beaten.

For the first fifteen minutes the play see-sawed from end to end with Partick showing slightly superior control midfield.

With such a high standard of play it was not until the 20th minute that Clydebank really threatened the visitor's goal, when outside right Donnie Wilson tested goalie Rough when he connected with an interception by Gray.

His Clydebank counterpart McDonald brought off a fine save two minutes later when Coulston broke through at the head of a swift moving Thistle counter movement.

McDonald continued to protect the Bankies position when outside right Gibson struck close with a dangerous ball from the touchline. As a reprisal the Clydebank duo of Wilson and Doyle created havoc in the Jags' goal when a series of headers ended in the ball just going over after 30 minutes play.

Then Wilson and McQuade for the visitors tried the solution of long distance shooting with no result for either side.

The Bankies' integrated strike force realised their potential in the 48th minute when striker Jimmy Caskie hammered home a loose ball which defender McKinnon had failed to clear from a Fallon free. Seven minutes later Caskie was floored and Fallon made no mistake with the resulting penalty.

Inspired by their two goal lead the Bankies demonstrated a combined control which they need if they are to be serious promotion candidates. Time and time again the white and red strips surged within striking distance and after 65 minutes Caskie had Rough flustered with a hooked shot.

Intent on not abdicating, Thistle strove to regain their earlier composure and after five minutes of intense pressure Bone beat McDonald and Hay in a goalmouth scramble to net the Jags one and only score after 70 minutes. Both teams brought on their substitutes at the restart.

A niggling clash in the 75th minute resulted in Ralston and Munro being warned by referee Foote.

After a period of balanced play, Clydebank put the seal on their success when centre forward Munro lobbed the ball after a left wing sprint, the ball skimmed off defender Smith's boot and into the net.

This happened in the 81st minute. After this Thistle accepted defeat and the game was played out at a reduced pace. In conclusion, the Bankies came out on top by virtue of exploiting their chances and finishing after well-conceived and carried out moves. After a good start Partick lost their grip although they showed guts to come back and reduce the deficit.