Clydebank 0
Arbroath 3
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank’s introduction to life in the Second Division proper proved a tough lesson on Wednesday night, as a clinical Arbroath side left Kilbowie Park with a deserved two points and a three-goal margin to show for their efforts.

Despite a determined and often spirited performance, the Bankies were undone by a sharp Maroons attack and an inspired display from goalkeeper Willie Williamson, who stood firm throughout and denied the home side on several occasions.

Arbroath, who had drawn with Morton at the weekend, made just one change, with Jim Riddle stepping in at left-back for the injured Tom Hughes. They looked far more incisive in front of goal than in recent outings, and Clydebank's back line—so effective in earlier League Cup ties—found themselves under sustained pressure.

The opening goal came after only 12 minutes, when a deflected shot from Jack landed kindly for Cant, who made no mistake from close range. Clydebank responded with periods of promising play, particularly through their 4-2-4 shape, but their final ball often lacked precision, and when it didn’t, Williamson was there to deny them.

The best chance for an equaliser came just before the interval when Willie McCallum fired a free-kick from the edge of the box that rattled the crossbar—agonisingly close but not close enough.

With the match still finely poised at the start of the second half, the Bankies threw men forward in search of a breakthrough, but Arbroath weathered the storm and struck a quick double blow to put the game beyond reach. On 63 minutes, a cross from Jack again picked out Cant, who calmly slotted home his second. Just two minutes later, Cargill sealed the win with a close-range header to make it 3–0.

Clydebank continued to battle but couldn’t find a way past the imperious Williamson. It was a sobering experience in front of a decent Kilbowie crowd, and a reminder that the step up to Second Division football would require patience, refinement, and perhaps a touch more luck.

There were moments of promise, and the new boys will have to regroup quickly with a long season still ahead.

Match report written by Stuart McBay