Clydebank 2
Airdrie 1
League (Division 2)

Match Report

For their last league match at home this season, Clydebank welcomed league leaders Airdrie. The visitors had two aims from this game. One point would assure them of the championship and they needed one more goal to reach 100 for the season.

The importance of these objectives was shown by the large noisy travelling support, which helped make this Bankies highest league gate of the season. The homesters lined up showing one change from last weeks team, Andy Roxburgh replacing the injured Joe Hughes at centre.

Bankies started confidently and attacked the visitors, showing complete disregard for their reputation and league position. Keeper McWilliams came to Airdrie's rescue in the fifth minute when he brilliantly pushed a great shot from White over the bar. The home side were creating openings but bad luck and bad finishing deprived them of the lead their opening pressure deserved.

Airdrie looked dangerous on the break and were very good in attack - as one would expect from a team which had scored 99 goals this season.

The all important 100th goal arrived in the 20th minute when, against the run of play Airdrie took the lead. From a corner on the right Whitehead headed back across the danger area and Franchetti rose at the post to head strongly into the net.

On other occasions ths season Clydebank would have been unable to come back into the game but today this was not the case. They refused to lie down and went at Airdrie, the strong running of Roxburgh causing havoc. From a move by him, Gilmour shot hard at goal but the keeper saved well.

Just before the half hour the Bankies at last notched the equaliser they deserved. McGovern collected a pass from Abel and slipped the ball to Roxburgh about 35 yards out. Off went Andy on a run towards goal evading tow tackles then from 20 yards he fired the ball into the net, a great solo effort!

Airdrie dominated the restart but Bankies defence were well in command. Clydebank substituted Billy Fanning for Phil McGovern in the 53rd minute and with the sub slotting into the defence it looked as if they were prepared to play for a draw. Roxburgh and McCallan fought bravely up front and looked capable of creating considerable problems for the visitors defence.

In the 60th minute Bankies replaced the limping Henderson with McColl and began to take control of the game again.

In the 65th minute Abel overlapped down the left wing with Roxburgh in support. The played a quick one-two leaving Abel to make the cross. As he looked up he saw Ward White lurking unmarked about 25 yards out. He squared the ball in front of White and his first time drive rocketed into the net - a wonderful goal.

Ward White has taken a fair bit of stick from the home support in recent weeks but he was the darling of the fans at that moment.

Bankies were in control now and try as they did Airdrie could not penetrate the home defence who had an excellent keeper in Jim Gallacher.

The final whistle brought the biggest roar of the season from Clydebank fans as they saluted a fine team victory. It has been a long and often disappointing season for the home supporters but this was the highlight of recent months and they certainly let the team hear their appreciation