Clydebank 1
Arbroath 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Gloom descended on Kilbowie Park as Clydebank’s promotion prospects received a major set-back with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arbroath. The Red Lichties staged an impressive comeback, using their stamina and physical strength to erase the 1-0 interval handicap.

The home team kicked off minus their regular left-half Dougie Hay, who was serving 14 days suspension following retaliation in the local derby against Dumbarton last month.

Despite the necessary formation reshuffle, Clydebank were immediately on the offensive with Jimmy Caskie nudging the ball into Arbroath keeper Phillip’s arms after five minutes.

Centre forward Alan Munro shattered the Arbroath defence with the Bankies sole goal two minutes later. He intercepted a through ball from left-half Jackson, outfumbled both goalie and defenders to prod the ball into the visitors net. McDonald thwarted the Lichties attempt to pull level when he deflected a solid shot from inside left Bruce.

For a short time the home team maintained a tactical superiority with the assistance of Arbroath’s tendency to dither while in possession.

Arbroath received the first of three disappointments in the 19th minute when centre forward Jack netted the ball only to have it disallowed on an offside ruling.

At this stage in the game one thing was patently obvious; the talent and flair of the Bankies debutant, outside right Jim Wilson.

Obviously trying to impress, young Wilson demonstrated his opportunist interception and striking gifts. He was instrumental in many promising attacks and possibly required more anticipation from his team mates.

Arbroath’s threat was controlled mainly by the trio of inside left Bruce, outside left Stewart and anchor man, centre forward Jack.

However the first two players failed to exploit a good in-swinging ball from Cant, which McDonald took from over their heads. This happened after 23 minutes and two minutes later McDonald retrieved the ball in a scramble following left-half Walker’s accurate corner kick.

Despite persistent pressure the Clydebank defence kept its composure, feeding the ball out to the promising raiding combination of Caskie and Wilson, a valuable duo for the future. McDonald was again earning his money and in the 42nd minute he bravely took the ball from outside-right Payne’s right boot.

Another potentially dangerous incident for Clydebank was aborted when outside-left Stewart soft-footed a cross from left-half Walker a minute later.

The Red Lichties second disallowed goal came just before the interval whistle with Jack, the disappointed player, once again.

Five minutes after the restart an almost identical goal was scored and this too met with the approval of the referee, Mr T Marshall. This time it was Bruce who was ruled offside.

Centre forward Jack was providing sterling groundwork and was frustrated when he failed to connect with a ball laid on by left back Hughes.

The Jim Wilson/Jim Caskie partnership again created an opportunity along the left wing with the former running rings round the defence and right-back Milne headed the ball off the line after 53 minutes.

McDonald’s ability was tested again in the 55th minute when inside right Cant shot accurately. For five minutes the home defence were under severe pressure with three corners in as many minutes. Another brilliant run by Jim Wilson eased the pressure slightly.

Inside-left Donnie Wilson was replaced after 63 minute by Bobby Doyle. A minute later the substitute was booked for questioning the referee’s judgment.

With the Bankies unsettled, Bruce pulled his team level, smashing a Walker cross past McDonald.

After understandable celebration the Red Lichties applied themselves to the business of winning this hard fought match. Time and again the Arbroath strikers would force their way into attacking positions. Outside left Stewart skimmed the ball across the Clydebank goal in the 68th minute.

With his colleague Caskie limping on the left wing Jim Wilson continued to display his skill by shrugging off desperate Arbroath defensive tactics to frighten goalie Phillip.

Arbroath played with increased urgency but still lacked a tightness of formation.

Determined to regain the lead Clydebank put all into attack with the combined services of a recovered Caskie, Mitchell and Wilson. It was the last named who stretched Phillip to the limit when he latched on to a Doyle cross.

Clydebank’s bearded right-half Dennis Ruddy disgraced himself in the 79th minute when he was booked for inverting Cant in a last ditch defensive move.

Arbroath’s physical strength was put to full use in the 85th minute when Bruce split the weary home defence to put his team ahead. Not satisfied with this effort he just failed to head the ball past McDonald from close in.

Despite Clydebank’s refusal to accept defeat Arbroath closed its ranks and maintained the hard earned lead until the final whistle.

Disappointment for Clydebank after their initial string lead – but Arbroath player dour, canny football with no respect for the finesse shown by the Bankies striking trio – Jim Wilson, Jim Caskie and Alan Munro.

The Red Lichties star performers consisted of the same field positions, Jack, Bruce and Stewart, with special mention for Jack’s powerhouse diligence.

Without a doubt Clydebank have promising property in ex-Drumchapel Amateur Jim Wilson. He showed remarkable dignity and precision and if a strategy can be devised to exploit his full potential Clydebank could be in the ascent again.