Clydebank 1
Stirling Albion 0
League (2nd Division)

Match Report

Bankies made a great start to the New Year when they overcame a fighting Stirling side to pick up two priceless points. Atrocious weather conditions not only made the pitch extremely difficult but drastically cut the large attendance that was expected. The fans who did brave the elements saw the Bankies very much on top in the opening half and but for some bad finishing and with a little luck they could have been more than a solitary goal in front by the interval.

After Larnach had blasted a shot just wide from a good Lumsden - McCallan move the all-important goal arrived in the 20th minute. It all started when Kennedy fouled Mike Larnach some 30 yards out. Jim Lumsden's free kick was headed across goal by Joe McCallan and there was Davie Cooper racing towards the far post. He out jumped the Albion defence and his header found it's way into the net.

Bankies almost increased the lead when a brilliant move ended with Young blocking McCallan's final effort. Then Henderson blazed a shot over the bar from just eight yards. As the pitch became heavier the fans expected Bankies superior fitness to show through, but it was Stirling who dominated the second period.

Bankies lost their grip in midfield as the eager Stirling men pushed forward. The home defence however stood firm and for all their territorial advantage, Albion never really threatened Roddy McKenzie.

Hulston should have equalised late on when determination took him clear of two tackles, but he sliced his shot wide from jut six yards range.

After this let-off Bankies held firm til the final whistle which brought relief to their fans. Clydebank maintained their two point lead at the top of the table as title rivals Raith Rovers had a narrow ne'er day victory over Cowdenbeath at Starks Park.