Alloa Athletic 0
Clydebank 0
League (2nd Division)

Match Report

They've done it at last!

Bankies finally brought the Second Division Championship back to Kilbowie last Tuesday night - but to gain the one precious point they needed, they had to survive a tremendous barrage from plucky Alloa.

Roddy McKenzie and Joe McCallan were back for Bankies, but it was the home side who dominated the early play. Miller and Russell came close before Wilson forced a fine save from McKenzie.

Proceedings really came to life in the 25th minute when Bankies survived an all out assault. Two shots were blocked by defenders, and the pressure was not relieved until Low shot wide from a rebound.

Bankies fought back, and the opening goal almost arrived on the half hour mark. Wilkinson left a pass back short, but as Ian Browning raced round the despairing keeper, the big full back made brilliant recovery tackle to send the ball for a corner.

Then came the golden chance the Bankies had waited for. Davie Cooper was in full flight when keeper Thompson pulled him down, and much to the big travelling support's delight , the referee pointed to the spot.

Davie having missed last week, wasn't interested in taking the kick, so it was left to Norrie Hall. He stepped up, but as some of his team mates looked away, the full back's kick was pushed to safety by Thompson.

The second half was completely dominated by by the home side, who seemed determined to show Bankies that they had deserved promotion too.

They attacked relentlessly, and there were a few anxious moments for the travelling support; but magnificently marshaled by Jim Fallon, the Clydebank defence survived.

Goodwin and Larnach replaced Lumsden and Browning but with 10 minutes or so remaining it became obvious that Bankies would settle for the draw.

Tension built up until the referee finally blew for full time to bring the Bankies fans to their feet and the player hugging each other with delight.

So now there will be a flag flying at Kilbowie next season but the way the team are playing in the new Spring Cup there might just be trophy to go with it.