Clydebank 0
East Stirlingshire 1
Friendly

Match Report

Clydebank returned to action this afternoon in the first match in the pre-season period, and supporters were keen to see how the new signings would fare against Lowland League outfit, and the oldest of rivals, East Stirlingshire

These clubs have a history that will forever be entwined after the Steedman brothers short-lived merger attempts saw the club become ES Clydebank playing out of Kilbowie Park for one season only almost 60 years ago.

Shire supporters successfully managed to uncouple the clubs with the Falkirk side returning to Firs Park the following season, and the newly re-formed Clydebank FC gaining entry to the Scottish League themselves one year later.

This fiasco always gave this match a little bit of extra spice, and may still be remembered that way by older supporters. However, we are in a completely different world nowadays with both Kilbowie Park and Firs Park long gone, and the pair no longer in the SPFL.

This friendly had none of the baggage of the past and it was just that – a friendly. A rather low key one at that with the visitors edging the win through Tony Coutts strike in the second half.

It took a while for the game to warm up and the first notable shot on goal came after 19 minutes when Shire number 9 Penker fired well over.

Boths teams were passing the ball well on the Holm Park surface, but the next incident saw the injured Lee Gallacher replaced by Liam McGonigle after 20 minutes.

Shire centre-half had a fee kick headed over in the 24th minutes.

In the 33rd minute the Bankies were awarded a free kick around 25 yards from goal. It was new signing Thomas Collins who took it, but his effort flew a foot over the bar.

Prior to this, the closest either team came to scoring was from an Alan Kelly cross which left back McLean diverted on to his own post and past for a corner.

Just on half-time, big Matt Niven tried a speculative shot from distance which the keeper easily dealt with.

The inevitable influx of substitutes began at the interval with the Bankies introducing Donnelly, Johnstone and Graham.

The first action after the restart was wild effort from Penker which sailed wildly over the bar.

The visitors scored what proved to be the only goal on 58 minutes. A fine cross was diverted into the path of Coutts who tapped home from six yards.

Shire made two subs just after and the next attempt at goal came after 60 minutes when Nicky Low received a McGonigle pass and fired just over the bar.

Bankies problem was a lack of cutting edge with Shire keeper not being tested at all during the whole match.

Calum Graham tried his luck with a header but it was way over the top.

After 65 minutes Niven and Kelly departed to be replaced by trialist (CB) and McLernan. The you sub had the last notable opportunity for the Bankies when he hit the underside of the bar with two minutes remaining.

Shire had a couple of good chances late on as well. Donnelly saved well at the feet of Ewarp, and then again a good block from substitute Thomson.

All in all, a good run-out to get the legs moving in a match situation but a lack of creating chances was evident in this opening friendly. The Shire probably just about had the edge and deserved their win in the end.

Match report written by Donnie Reid