Clydebank 2
Morton 1
Friendly

Match Report

A youthful Clydebank side stole the show against a patched-up Morton team in a thrilling encounter at Kilbowie Park last night. Packed with seven teenagers in their starting line-up, the Bankies showcased their potential for the upcoming Second Division season with a relentless display of attacking football that left the Greenock side flustered and disjointed.

Morton's defence had a night to forget, riddled with communication breakdowns that kept the teenage Bankies attackers on their toes. Jimmy Caskie, Jackie Woods, and Alan Munro were particularly impressive, peppering Andy Crawford in the Morton goal with shots throughout the first half.

A five-minute spell of frenetic action saw Crawford make two top-drawer saves, first denying Caskie and then thwarting Ian Hawkshaw, the young midfielder who orchestrated the Bankies' attacks with energy and purpose. Caskie also saw a thunderous effort cannon back off the post, and Woods sent another effort narrowly wide. Somehow, Clydebank went into half-time frustrated but level on the scoresheet.

Morton's woes deepened when their talented young left-back, George Douglas, limped off with a knee injury before the break, replaced by an inexperienced trialist.

The pressure from the Bankies continued unabated after the restart, and they deservedly took the lead within five minutes. A perfect cross from Munro on the left found Hawkshaw unmarked in the box. The young midfielder expertly controlled the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Crawford from ten yards.

Morton responded with a flurry of their own, coming agonisingly close to an equaliser when George McNeill squared the ball across the goalmouth. Incredibly, both Per Bartram and the trialist on the left somehow contrived to miss the ball and squander the golden opportunity.

Their reprieve was short-lived. A clumsy tackle by Borg Thorup on Hawkshaw inside the penalty box gifted Clydebank a penalty. Hawkshaw himself stepped up to take the spot-kick, but he blazed his effort over the crossbar.

This miss seemed to spark Morton into life. McNeill danced his way through the Clydebank defence before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net, pulling them level.

However, the youthful exuberance of the Bankies refused to be dampened. They continued to attack with pace and purpose, and their persistence paid off in the final quarter of an hour. Caskie, a constant thorn in Morton's side all night, finally found the net with a superb strike that left Crawford with no chance.

This match served as a reminder of the exciting young talent brewing at Clydebank. Their brand of attacking football was a joy to watch, and they exposed the frailties in a makeshift Morton side. The season promises to be an exciting one for the Bankies, and their youthful brigade looks set to play a starring role.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay