East Stirlingshire 1
Clydebank 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

For the third time this season, Bankies were beaten by the only goal of the game - scored in the dying seconds and must now resign themselves to the fact that it will be Second Division football for them next season.

It could have been all so different for, with Larnach back at centre, they started aggressively and Caskie looked in sparkling form. The little winger had three inspired runs in the early minutes, but when the first clear-cut chance fell to him in the 5th minute, he ballooned the ball over the bar from six yards.

Bankies should have taken the lead in the 20th minute when a fine pass by Cooper sent Larnach free inside the area. He hit the ball hard and low across the face of the goal and, as McCallan slid in, the ball seemed to bounce awkwardly, eluding the Bankies' top scorer and finishing past the post.

East Stirling seemed to gain heart from this incredible let-off and Adams flashed in a header that just cleared the bar.

After the first quarter of the game, proceedings deteriorated and the constant whistling of referee Hope did nothing to add to the sparse crowd's entertainment. McColl was booked in the 32nd minute after pulling down Mullin.

The home side looked more aggressive on the resumption and Gallacher had to look smart to pluck the ball out of the air from Stein.

A good run by Caskie after a one-two with Henderson split the 'Shire defence, but Larnach delayed his shot and the danger was cleared.

Bankies could be excused for thinking that this was not to be their day, but as the fans were accepting a rather disappointing goalless draw and heading for home, tragedy struck Bankies and with almost the last kick of the game East Stirling snatched an undeserved victory.

There seemed no apparent danger as Fanning intercepted a through ball, but with all the time in the world to clear he attempted to dribble past Mullin on the edge of the area and lost the tackle.

Gallacher was hopelessly exposed as Mullin ran in on him and squared the ball for Stein to score easily from a few yards' range.

Tomorrow, Bankies are at home to Albion Rovers and this gives them the chance of completing their first double of the season. It was at Coatbridge that the great run of eight successive victories started earlier in the season and it would be a great end to the season if this feat could be repeated. Let's hope so!