East Stirlingshire 0
Clydebank 1
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

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How the other side saw it
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Shire’s Bobby Jones had a match to forget in front of goal, despite being their standout attacker. He missed several clear-cut chances and was even booked after a tussle with Clydebank's King. However, his efforts were constantly thwarted by the exceptional goalkeeping of Clydebank's ex-Celtic player, Dick Madden.

East Stirling deserved a point based on their performance. They matched their higher-ranked opponents in a physical first half and only fell behind due to missed opportunities. Both Jones and Mitchell squandered golden chances, with Jones heading wide from a gaping goal and Mitchell hesitating when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Clydebank took the lead in the 22nd minute through a well-executed header by Moore. He connected beautifully with a Moy cross, leaving Stirling's keeper Davie with no chance.

The second half was a one-sided affair, with the Shire dominating possession and peppering the Clydebank goal. However, they were constantly denied by the heroics of Madden and Jones's misfortune.

In the 55th minute, Jones had a golden opportunity after receiving a perfect pass from Gillespie. However, he took too long to control the ball, allowing Madden to smother it. This set the tone for the rest of his afternoon.

Jones continued to test Madden throughout the half. He unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle that Madden somehow managed to hold onto at full stretch. He then repeated the feat with another Jones rocket, mirroring an earlier first-half save.

John Mitchell added to the Shire's woes when he blazed over from a good position. But the most dramatic moment came with ten minutes remaining. Jones, now playing centrally, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that seemed destined for the net. However, Madden defied the odds with another acrobatic save, arguably the save of the game.

This incredible stop sealed Shire's fate and ended their League Cup qualifying hopes.

Despite the defeat, this was a much-improved performance from the Shire compared to their previous match. They played with confidence and moved the ball well, with Hulston, Reynolds, Gillespie, Hamill, and Jones all impressing. However, a lack of finishing touch and a world-class goalkeeping performance from Madden saw them fall short.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay