Clydebank 0
Stirling Albion 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Bankies stuttered along to a goalless draw against Stirling last Saturday. With St. Mirren winning at Hamilton and opening up a four-point gap, sadly it looks as though promotion is now beyond Bankies, at least for this year.

Liam Houston replaced the injured Mike Larnach at centre and Caskie was on the right wing with Cooper moving over to the left touchline. The new formation started well enough and, when Young dropped a high cross at McCallan's feet, the leading scorer should have done better than smash the ball over the bar.

After this early let-off Stirling, with the wind behind them, attacked the home goal but they found big Jim Gallacher in unbeatable form. A Lawson cross was met six yards out by ex-Bankie Joe Hughes but a flying finger-tip save robbed the balding striker from opening the scoring,

Stirling were moving well and looked dangerous. A fierce drive by Steele brought out another magnificent save from Gallacher and minutes later he stopped a McPhee thunderbolt.

Bankies struggled to make any impression on the Albion defence with a strong wind in their faces, an ineffectual left wing and Houston looking rather out of place at centre. One good move, involving Caskie and McCallan, gave Cooper a chance but from eight yards out he shot wide.

This gave Bankies a little heart and they attacked again. However, Houston's luck was right out when his shot beat Young only to be cleared off the line by Nicol.

This apart, Stirling were on top for most of the half and Gallacher made another incredible save - this time from Steele when he dived full length to turn the ball for a corner. A moment's hesitation in the home defence gave Hughes a free header just six yards out but he sent the ball well up the terracing.

With wind advantage after the interval, it was Bankies' turn to attack which I am sure was a relief to Fallon and Fanning who had had a busy first half.

Houston was booked by referee Brian McGinley after a series of tussles with Dempsey in the 57th minute, and five minutes later came Bankies best effort of the match. Norrie Hall ran half the length of the field before unleashing a cracking drive from 20 yards. However, keeper Young was equal to this great attempt and somehow managed to turn the ball for a corner. From the resultant kick, Houston headed just over the top.

In the 70th and 75th minutes Bankies had two golden opportunities to win the match. Both fell to Caskie who unfortunately was out of touch and lacking in confidence. Firstly he was put clean through by McCallan but with only the keeper to beat shot into the side netting; although he did appeal for a corner.

Then another perfectly laid-off ball by McCallan left the winger on his own in front of goal but instead of controlling the ball and picking his spot he hurriedly shot first time and the ball sailed over the bar.

It was all Bankies as they strove for the goal that they needed to keep their hopes alive. The long overdue substitution of Kane for Houston arrived in the 80th minute and immediately the sub created a chance for Cooper but the winger shot over from close range.

In the closing minutes an 18-yarder from Henderson scraped the post and that matter of inches could have finally decided Bankies fate for next season. It was a disappointing game of missed chances particularly by the homesters and the highlight of the match was undoubtedly the magnificent display of goalkeeping from both keepers.

This leaves Bankies four points adrift of the top six and their prospects look bleak. Let us not forget, however, the great run that this team has had this season and the fact that they are unquestionably the best side to grace the Clydebank colours that Kilbowie has known. They will fight until the last ball of the season has been kicked; starting with tomorrow's visit to old rivals East Stirling.