Stirling Albion 5
Clydebank 2
League Cup (Group 7)

Match Report

The Bankies travelled to Stirling last Saturday knowing that a win was imperative if they were to maintain any interest in this year's League Cup. Ward White replaced Andy Roxburgh in an otherwise unchanged team. It was interesting to note that the Stirling substitutes were both ex-Clydebank players - Frank McAleer and Jimmy Caskie.

Stirling attacked down the Annfield slope straight from the kick off, and a Lawson header struck the post.

Clydebank's reply to this was quick and decisive. Phil McGovern picked up a through ball to the left of the Stirling defence and raced on evading numerous tackles before shooting low under the diving 'keeper. This was a fine solo effort.

Play was flowing from end to end with Clydebank looking that bit more dangerous. It was however Stirling who managed to pull level in the 31st minute. Carr shot the ball home from the edge of the box after two shots had been blocked.

Stirling forged ahead four minutes later when Murphy smashed home a 20-yard free-kick high into the net.

At the interval Bankies replaced Rainey with Roxburgh and attacked down the slope. They deservedly equalised in the 54th minute when a Gilmour cross was headed down by McCallan and Joe Hughes shot the ball in off the keeper from an acute angle.

It looked good for Bankies at this stage playing down the slope and with a strong breeze at their backs. It was Stirling however who clicked into top gear and they tore the Bankies defence apart with fast raids.

On the hour, Steele restored Stirling's lead when he took advantage of a slack clearance to shoot the ball into the net. Five minutes later, Murphy chested down a cross from the right and unleashed a tremendous left-footed volley high into the net.

Bankies substituted Law for McCallan which seemed a rather strange move after going two goals down. However five minutes later, the match was over as a contest. Steele intercepted a weak pass back from Norrie Hall, side stepped Gallacher and placed the ball into the empty net.

On the day the better team won convincingly. The Stirling forwards had an excellent second half and their non-stop running and willingness to fight for each other gave the sluggish Bankies a lesson in fitness and team work.

Best for the Bankies were Provan, Abel and McGovern while Gallacher was blameless in goal. Stirling had no failures but right winger Steele deserves special mention for an excellent afternoon's work.