Glenafton Ath 0
Clydebank 1
League (West Region Premiership)

Match Report

Gordon Moffat’s tenure as Clydebank manager got off to a winning start at Glenafton thanks to a Jordan Shelvey goal just after the interval. The Bankies were deserved winners in a match of few goal scoring chances with Nicky Little missing a penalty as the players showed more character than they have done in quite some time to claim all three points.

Although Moffat was in the dugout today, his role was more of a watching brief as Sean Higgins led the team. That didn’t stop him getting involved as the match wore on however. There were just a couple of changes to the line up with Bailey and McClair returning in place of Vezza and Munro.

On a fantastic sunny day it was Glenafton who were out of the traps quickly, buoyed by their fine win at Pollok the week before. It wasn’t long before they had their sights on goal and Forbes brought out a terrific save from Waters on his left hand side. Little did the Glens know at this stage that this would be their best effort on goal until the last minute of the game.

The home side continued to probe the Bankies goal without ever really troubling it, and as the visitors weathered the early storm they began to cause trouble at the other end. With their first real assault on goal, McClair left Park for dead as he sent in a tantalising cross which was just ahead of both Little and Shelvey.

Just before the half hour the Bankies were awarded a penalty kick. Black showed great skill in the middle of the park by beating two men before sending Jordan Shelvey clear on goal. The Bankies striker got to the ball just before keeper Wilson, who could not stop his momentum bringing him down for a penalty of the stonewall variety.

Nicky Little’s record from the spot has been goods in recent times, but his right footed shot low to the goalkeeper’s left hand corner was brilliantly saved by Wilson diving full length.

The two sides swapped opportunities after this with Menzies of Glenafton working a neat one to with Andrew, but his resulting left footed shot was weak and easily saved by Waters. Clydebank’s chance was much clearer cut when a looping ball was missed by the home defence leaving Shelvey free at the back post. Rather than letting the ball drop to his feet, he rather hurriedly attempted a lob header which he just couldn’t get enough purchase on, making it an easy stop for Wilson.

If Wilson had been the hero in the first half he turned into a serious villain just five minutes after the break. He made a complete mess of a pass or clearance, as he hit the ball straight to Nicky Little. Little may have taken it on himself if it wasn’t for the tight angle, but he neatly slipped the ball across the box, for Jordan Shelvey to side foot home to give the Bankies the lead.

Glenafton huffed and puffed after this with no great effect. The Bankies defended well all over the park. In the last quarter the Bankies should really have sunk the Glens with a second goal. Firstly, we had a McClair cross from the right hand side met by the head of Munro at the back post. Unfortunately, his effort bounced on the top of the cross bar. Then a quick breakaway saw Clydebank with three against two. Little drew the defender before sliding the ball across to Munro. Little’s pass was a wee bit on the short side forcing Munro into a hurried shot, but he was still unlucky as Wilson just stopped the ball and no more from going through his legs.

With time ebbing away Glenafton could have stolen a point when a nice chipped through ball was hit first time on the volley by Moore from just inside the box, but Waters who has been subject to criticism recently made a fine save and preserved the slender lead for his side.

I’m sure Gordon Moffat will be pleased with the effort shown today. Glenafton are a very decent side and it is always a hard place to come away from with a win. It does just show that we have a good squad and they are capable of getting the rewards when they put in the graft. For the new management team, the hard work starts now as they set about putting their own stamp on this team. Interesting times lie ahead.

Match report written by Stuart McBay