Match Report
Clydebank never relinquished control after weathering an early storm from Carlisle United, securing a convincing 2-0 victory at Dalbeattie in a friendly match celebrating the town's civic week.
The opening minutes belonged to the Blues. Ternent and Sharp tested Bankies' keeper Madden with powerful efforts, forcing him into sharp saves. Carlisle looked hungry for the opening goal, but the Clydebank defence held firm.
The tide began to turn with a Clydebank breakaway. Munro found the net, only to be denied by the offside flag. This seemed to spark the Bankies into life. Munro threatened again, forcing McParland, the Carlisle keeper, into action.
O'Brien nearly broke the deadlock for the Bankies with a dangerous header from a Rutherford corner. The pressure mounted, and Clydebank's dominance was rewarded on the half-hour mark. Moore stepped up to take a free kick and expertly curled it past the wall and into the net.
Just four minutes later, Clydebank doubled their lead. Moore was again involved, this time converting from close range to send the fans into raptures.
The second half continued in the same vein. Clydebank controlled possession and kept Carlisle at bay. Rutherford nearly added a third with a fierce shot that narrowly missed the target.
Carlisle struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, resorting to long-range efforts. Barton's attempt from distance forced Madden into a save, but otherwise, the Bankies' defence remained resolute.
A late flurry from Carlisle saw them win two quick corners, but Madden heroically dealt with both threats. In a dramatic finale, the woodwork came to Clydebank's rescue twice in the dying seconds, as Carlisle desperately searched for a consolation goal.
However, it was Clydebank's night. They defended resolutely, capitalised on their chances, and emerged with a well-deserved victory that underlined their dominance throughout the match.
Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay
