Clydebank 2
Falkirk 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

For their last home Saturday match of the season Bankies played hosts to Falkirk who needed two points to ensure the championship flag flying at Brockville next season. A huge travelling support swelled the attendance to around 3000 on a perfect afternoon.

Bankies had Davie Cooper back on the left wing and he made an immediate impact with a dribble and pass that left Caskie with a great chance in the first minute. However, Caskie shot hurriedly and Gibson popped up to clear the ball off the line.

Bankies kept up this early momentum and took the lead in the 5th minute, Hall and Henderson worked a beautiful one-two on the right and when the skipper's perfect cross came over, Cooper rose to head into the net off the far post.

This was a great start for Bankies and for 20 minutes they kept up severe pressure that had Falkirk floundering. Any hopes the Bairns had of an easy victory were dashed as only a brave dive at McCallan's feet by Donaldson robbed Bankies top scorer from increasing the lead in the 10th minute.

Twelve minutes later, however Donaldson was helpless as McCallan notched his 14th goal of the season. Cooper flighted a free kick to the far post and the blond striker rose to bullet a great header into the top corner of the net.

Bankies were so far ahead it was unthinkable that Falkirk will be in the first division next season and indeed it looked as though referee Keggie was feeling sorry for them judging by some of his decisions in their favour! The Bairns had only two worthwhile attempts at goal in the first half. A 10 yard shot by Wilson was splendidly turned away by Gallacher who also did well to save a 20 yard piledriver from Wheatley.

Falkirk just had to improve on their first half performance and on resumption they gave their fans a brief glimmer of hope when Lawson was only a fraction high with a fine shot from just inside the box.

Tempers began to fray midway through the half with both Hall of Clydebank and Gibson of Falkirk were booked for over zealous tackles.

In a burst of pressure Bankies should have score twice inside a couple of minutes to consolidate their lead. Henderson sent Caskie right through with only Donaldson to beat but the winger allowed the big keeper to run from his goal and boot the ball to safety. Then, McCallan's through ball left McColl in front of goal but instead of keeping his head and placing the ball safely into the gaping net, the young star tried to blast the ball home and succeeded only in smashing it off the Bankies Club top window.

Bankies finished the match comfortable winners and a shot by Caskie which grazed the bar almost made the scoreline more reflective of their superiority. This was a great victory and probably Bankies best display of the season. They won easily. In fact, had they taken their chances it could have been 5-0.