Clydebank 2
Rotherham Utd 0
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Match Report

Clydebank got their season off to a flying start with a stunning 2-0 victory over Rotherham United, a giant of Yorkshire football.

Sitting next to me was a Rotherham fan, 19-year-old Bryan Lowe, originally from Rotherham but now residing in Old Kilpatrick. His team's wasted chances left him burying his head in his hands for most of the match.

The game started with both sides attacking with purpose, but it was the Bankies who struck first in the 11th minute. Centre forward O'Brien capitalised on a quick pass, leaving the Rotherham defence flat-footed and slamming the ball past keeper Hill from close range.

This lead ignited a fire in Rotherham, who threw everything they had at Clydebank in an attempt to break their spirit. However, the local lads held firm, repelling wave after wave of attack.

O'Brien nearly doubled the lead in the 21st minute after a scramble in the United area. The Yorkshire defence desperately tried to clear the ball, but the entire Clydebank team seemed to be in the box, making it impossible to break through. Finally, Hill saved O'Brien's low shot, but the Bankies' intent was clear.

Just four minutes later, the home faithful held their breath as the expensive £3,000 signing Hawkshaw unleashed a thunderous shot from the right wing, forcing Hill to a full-stretch save.

The second half saw a determined Rotherham side desperate for an equaliser. They earned a corner early on, but Storrie's header sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The visitors then had a golden opportunity in the 50th minute when Todd attempted a long shot. He miscued, sending the ball over the bar with a helping hand from Clydebank's "Kangaroo" Madden.

However, Clydebank silenced the away fans with a second goal in the second half. Youngster Caskie, who came on as a substitute, weaved his magic down the right wing, leaving the Rotherham defence in tatters. He coolly slotted the ball past a helpless Hill, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The jubilation was short-lived as right back Henderson suffered a facial injury in a tackle. With blood pouring from his nose, he was replaced by Munro. There was another Clydebank substitution in the second half, with Ruddy coming on for McMillan at centre-half.

The remainder of the game was a tense affair, but the visitors seemed to lose their spirit as the clock ticked down. Clydebank held on for a famous victory, proving they can compete with the best. Rotherham will undoubtedly need to improve if they want to get revenge on the "pride of Dunbartonshire" – and Clydebank make it very clear they're not talking about Dumbarton!

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay