Maryhill 0
Clydebank 2
League (Super Division One)

Match Report

Clydebank finally sealed their position in the Super League with a hard fought victory at Lochburn park against Maryhill. A goal apiece from Hailstones and Craig was enough to overcome a battling Hill side who are relegated for the second season in succession.

The Bankies only needed a point see them safe in the division, but it was all or nothing for Maryhill, and the pace of the match reflected this with the Lochburn men eagerly chasing down every ball.

Also, the Bankies were keen to make amends for the abysmal showing against Johnstone Burgh only three days earlier, so the match had a bit of an edge to it.

Although Maryhill controlled possession for the most part in the first half hour, it was fairly even in terms of chances. Neither team was really able to test the opposing goalkeeper with half chances being the order of the day.

The crucial moment came after thirty two minutes when Hobbs squandered a gilt edged chance as he stood only yards out with only Corr to beat. Had Hobbs scored, Maryhill may well have gone on to win the match. However, if you don't take your chances, you may live to regret it.

And regret it they did, as Clydebank opened the scoring two minutes later with a magnificent goal. Mark Hailstones picked up the ball at the junction of the penalty area from a poor clearance and thrashed it into the top corner leaving Soave with no chance.

Maryhill pushed hard for an equaliser at the beginning of the second period, but again were unable to create any real chances of any consequence.

In fact, with Hill leaving spaces at the back, it looked more likely that the Bankies would increase their lead from a breakaway.

Several times the Bankies found themselves in great positions only to let the chances slip away. A case in point is when Mark Hailstones was through on the right hand side. All he had to do was slip the ball inside to Kenna for an easy finish, but instead elected to shoot from a difficult angle which the keeper was able to save comfortably.

With Maryhill's energy levels dipping, the game was opening up more and the Bankies finally netted the killer second goal after 70 minutes.

A huge clearance upfield by Corr evaded the Maryhill defence, and Paul Craig raced through to score with not the cleanest of connections he's ever made

The Bankies could have added to their tally in the end up. So much so, that Sinky Soutar found himself with a fantastic scoring position in injury time. But it was too much for him and he shot straight at the keeper.

The Bankies were made to fight all the way for their victory, and over the piece it was probably just about deserved. This result secures Super League football for next season, and the players can now relax a little bit after playing nine games in 26 days.