Clydebank 3
Rangers 'B' 3
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Match Report

The flashy blue jerseys of Rangers couldn't hold back a spirited young Clydebank side at Kilbowie on Monday night. Despite conceding first, the Bankies roared back to lead 2-1 at half-time, only to be pegged back by a contentious penalty decision.

Rangers started strong, with the Clydebank players seemingly intimidated by their illustrious opponents. However, the Bankies soon realised these "Gers" were beatable and grew in confidence. Their resistance was broken in the seventh minute when centre-forward Mullen slammed home a Stevenson pass.

Undeterred, Clydebank's tireless work ethic, spearheaded by the ever-chasing Alan Munro, kept them in the game. Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Jimmy Caskie raced onto a McGunnigle cross from the right wing and sent a screamer past the impressive Rangers goalkeeper Neef.

Caskie wasn't finished yet. Just before the half-time whistle, he gave Clydebank the lead with a powerful long-shot from the left wing, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Rangers responded at half-time, bringing on Alfie Conn for left-back Keddie. Conn wasted no time making an impact, equalising for Rangers just five minutes into the second half with a surprise run and low shot that left McDonald scrambling.

Instead of folding as they had in the past, Clydebank displayed a remarkable level of composure and teamwork that wouldn't have looked out of place in the First Division. Gerry O'Brien, a real spark plug on the right, orchestrated much of their attacking play and put them back in front in the 69th minute. He cleverly dummied the Rangers right-back Stirling before rifling the ball past Neef.

Caskie nearly added another goal a minute later, embarking on a dazzling solo run down the left wing, but his shot at a tight angle narrowly missed the target.

The tide turned again in the 73rd minute when Conn was adjudged to have been brought down inside the box. A controversial penalty decision saw Alex Miller send the spot-kick down the middle of the net, much to the disbelief of the Clydebank faithful. To add insult to injury, Caskie was booked for voicing his displeasure to the linesman.

The closing stages saw further substitutions and a yellow card for Douglas Hay, but both teams continued to fight valiantly until the final whistle.

Despite the ultimately disappointing result, the young Bankies showed tremendous promise. Their raw talent and unwavering spirit suggest a bright future, if they can refine their skills with experience. This match was a clear testament to the potential of this exciting young team.

Match report written by and adapted by Stuart McBay