Clydebank 2
Chelsea 2
Friendly

Match Report

Around 8000 spectators gathered at Kilbowie Park to witness Bankies take on English FA Cup finalists Chelsea in a friendly match, marking the start of the season.

Among the crowd were town council members and Chelsea supporters who had journeyed north following their team's encounter with Aberdeen earlier in the week.

Despite their recent form, Chelsea failed to secure a victory, drawing with Bankies in a thrilling match that ended with both sides scoring two goals each.

The weather, which had threatened rain earlier, remained favourable, providing ideal conditions for an exciting game of football. Fans from various parts of the county, as well as from Glasgow, flocked to witness the spectacle.

Notably absent from the Chelsea lineup was former Clydebank Junior player and Scottish internationalist Eddie McCreadie, who sustained an injury during the Aberdeen game and was sidelined for several weeks.

During the offseason, Kilbowie Park underwent renovations, with concrete steps now surrounding the park, offering fans a more stable platform to enjoy the match.

Bankies fielded many of their new recruits, who showcased their talent against a formidable Chelsea side that appeared poised for victory.

In goal for Bankies stood Dick Madden, formerly of Celtic and Albion Rovers, who delivered a stellar performance, thwarting Chelsea's top-class forward line of Tambling, Cooke, Osgood, and Boyle with a series of miraculous saves.

The first half saw both teams playing attractive football, with the match evenly poised. However, two minutes before half-time, John Baxter, a former under-23 Scottish international and Hibs player, broke through Chelsea's defence to head the ball past keeper Bonetti, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

At the start of the second half, both teams made substitutions, with Russell and Moy coming on for Rutherford and Moore for Bankies, while Baldwin replaced Lloyd at centre for Chelsea.

Chelsea equalised through Bobby Tambling in the 62nd minute, but Bankies quickly regained the lead when Tommy McGhee netted a goal in the 73rd minute after a powerful Fleming shot rebounded off keeper Bonetti.

Bankies maintained their lead until the final ten minutes when Osgood, left unmarked, scored from a Charlie Cooke cross, resulting in a fair draw. The fans showed their appreciation by giving both teams a rousing ovation.

After the game, the Chelsea players were warmly received in the new Bankies club, enjoying a great night of Clydebank hospitality.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay