Clydebank 4
Brechin City 2
League (Division 2)

Match Report

At long last, Bankies secured a victory on Saturday through a combination of confidence, teamwork, and heightened skill. Brechin, far from an easy opponent, proved formidable, making it clear they wouldn't be easily subdued. Despite trailing by a goal at halftime, they swiftly levelled the score just two minutes into the second half with a well-taken penalty.

This triumph casts Bankies in a new and more promising light, demonstrating their capacity for quality play. The hope now is for them to replicate Saturday's success more frequently, lifting themselves from the depths of the league table. Fans departed Kilbowie Park with a renewed sense of satisfaction, even chanting "Bankies! Bankies!" for the first time this season, a testament to the team's improved performance.

The upcoming away fixture against Cowdenbeath presents another challenge, as winning on opposing turf is always more demanding. While there were some flaws in Bankies' setup, such as forwards occasionally taking on too many opponents and subpar passing, these issues are expected to be addressed over time.

The return of Joe Rankin in the centre injected a newfound threat into Bankies' forward line, causing havoc for the Brechin defence. Despite conceding an early goal due to a rebound from a Thompson shot, Bankies swiftly equalized through Tony Moy, who demonstrated composure in a crowded six-yard box. Frank Russell added a second with a powerful strike from 18 yards.

Brechin levelled the score again shortly after half-time with a penalty converted by Tocher after a handball by Bankies' left back, John Wark. However, Bankies regained the lead in the 76th minute when Moy calmly dispatched another penalty following a foul on Rankin in the penalty area. Russell sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a spectacular diving header from a Moy cross.

The game's excitement continued as referee Watson was forced to leave the field in the final minutes due to an ankle injury, with a linesman stepping in to officiate. Despite some frustration with offside calls denying Bankies potential goals, it didn't significantly impact the result.

Special mention must be made of Ernie Collumbine for his outstanding performance, displaying unwavering determination and strength both defensively and in attack. His relentless effort earned him the nickname "Powerhouse Ernie," a fitting tribute to his contributions on the field.