Raith Rovers 3
Clydebank 1
Scottish Cup (2nd Round)

Match Report

Bankies failed to reach the first round proper of the cup when in an action packed tie they were dumped by an excellent Raith side.

Three bad defensive blunders unthinkable earlier in the season cost Bankies a match that for an hour was evenly balanced, and had the fans on tenterhooks.

A replay looked on the cards until Sammy Henderson, Bankies skipper, was helped off the field with a leg injury, after which Rovers took command and finished worthy winners.

Bankies had McKenzie and Lumsden fit again and in their usual places and rather surprisingly brought back Billy Fanning for his first competitive match of the season in place of the injured Jim Fallon.

The game started at a blistering pace, and no sooner had Wallace headed over from a good position than Cooper fired a 16 yards shot just over. Before Bankies had time to settle they found themselves a goal down after six minutes.

Hislop made ground down the right and his cross appeared to deceive McKenzie who succeeded only in pushing the ball out to Hunter. He wasted no time is despatching the ball into the empty net.

After this early shock Bankies with wind advantage forced their way back into the game. Only a brilliant diving save by McDermott stopped Joe McCallan from heading the equaliser from a Dougie Hay cross. But Bankies were not to be outdone and in the 20th minute scored a great goal.

A Dougie Hay shy was played back by Joe McCallan to Gregor Abel. He flighted the ball into the area and there was the smallest man on the park Jim Lumsden racing in to send a superb header well out of McDermott's reach.

The game flowed from end to end with both sets of forwards missing chances. Bankies defence looked none too secure at times and Hislop should have done better than shoot weakly past after being presented with the ball in the area.

Just on the interval Bankies almost snatched the lead when brilliant work on the left by Joe McCallan gave Davie Cooper an opening but his shot was smothered at the post by McDermott.

The second half followed the same pattern, and Wallace was booked for a foul on McKenzie. A tremendous run by Davie Cooper made a chance for Joe McCallan but his effort drifted over the bar.

Then came the turning point of the game. Sammy Henderson was carried off with a leg knock and replaced by Billy McColl. The Bankies midfield fell apart and Rovers took command.

The killer blow arrived in the 65th minute when Raith scored to send their fans into ecstasy. A long free kick from Brown should have been cleared by Bankies defence but Sam Goodwin, having a stinker, stood stalk still allowing Wallace to run in unchallenged and send a neat header into the corner of the net.

Bankies were stunned and Rovers kept coming at them. A great run by Hislop ended in a perfect cross that Wallace again met with his head, this time sending the ball high over.

Jim Lumsden was booked as Bankies tried desperately to force an equaliser and in a scramble in the area McDermott blocked a McColl shot that was on its way to the net.This seemed to be the final blow for Bankies for they lost a dreadful third goal with five minutes left. Under little pressure Able blasted the ball for corner.

Hislop crossed and when McKenzie dropped the ball Graham had the easiest of tasks to prod home from a couple of yards range.

Bankies can have no complaints. They made mistakes and were deservedly punished by a razor sharp home side who thoroughly deserved the ovation that their fans gave them at the whistle.

Bankies must now concentrate on the league, and face a crunch match against Alloa. A win would give them some breathing space but defeat would be disastrous and make promotion very difficult.

The defence will have to tighten up as this game only proved what an important player Jim Fallon is to Bankies. Lets hope he is fit for this crucial match that could go a long way to deciding the promotion issue.