Clydebank 3
Meadowbank Th 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Following their disastrous home defeat by Stranraer in midweek Bankies made six changes, two positional, for the match against Meadowbank Thistle who were still seeking their first win in the Senior grade.

The first half saw Bankies struggling to shrug off their recent rock bottom form. They were repeatedly caught in Meadowbank's offside trap which was causing frustration for all concerned.

A shot from Larnach was wide of target and twice the trialist in the Thistle goal robbed Hughes by diving at his feet. These were the main highlights in a dreary first 45 minutes.

Meadowbank contributed absolutely nothing in the way of entertainment in this half and their offside tactics were angering the supporters even more than Bankies' futile efforts to combat it.

What a transformation after the interval as Clydebank surged into attack and at last gave their fans something to cheer.
Things started to happen just three minutes after the interval. Gilmour sent Roxburgh through on the right and Andy ran on until at the edge of the penalty area he unleashed a cracking drive that flashed high into the net,

This goal seemed to settle Bankies and they began to play with some authority and string their passes together. Hughes should have made it 2-0 in the 65th minute but his shot from six yards cannoned back off the crossbar. Five minutes later Ian Currie made his first appearance of the season replacing Joe Hughes who unfortunately is struggling to find last season's dynamic form although he was unlucky on several occasions in this match.

Clydebank pressed relentlessly forward as Meadowbank struggled to last the pace, and it was no surprise when the second goal arrived in 75 minutes. At last the offside trap was beaten as a lob from Gilmour found Currie running through, Although forced to the left by the advancing keeper, the little winger managed to get the ball across goal.

Ward White returned the ball hard and low and there was Andy Roxburgh racing in to score his second goal of the match.

It was one-way traffic now and a great run and shot by Larnach which was blocked by the 'keeper, brought roars of delight from the home crowd.

The third goal arrived in the 83rd minute thanks to a great individual effort from Jim Fallon. He brilliantly defied the offside tactics by collecting a ball and seeing the Thistle defence run out, chipped the ball over them and raced through on his own.

As the keeper came out Jim nicked the ball past him towards the vacant net. The ball would probably have gone in but to make Sure Ward White, who had come up in support, shot home,

Thus Bankies won a game which they were expected to, and indeed, had to. They struggled in the first hall but more than made amends with their fighting display in the second 45. They looked sharper and created many chances most of which were missed due to bad luck and the trialist in goal who combined luck with a few brave saves.

In that second half Ward White was the man who made Bankies tick. He was involved in every move and dribbled past defenders at will. Fallon looked much happier in the role of sweeper where he plays far better than in the midfield position he has occupied until now. The form of Mike Larnach was also pleasing and, of course, two goal hero Andy Roxburgh certainly earned his bonus.

As for Meadowbank, they were very disappointing. They had little to offer but effort and on this form they will struggle at the foot of the table all season. They did not win any friends with their use of the offside law and rightly they paid the penalty when they were caught out for Bankies' third goal.