St Johnstone 0
Clydebank 0
League (1st Division)

Match Report

Clydebank survived a pounding against a spirited St. Johnstone side to escape rather fortunately with a precious point that keeps them top of the league.

When the game started, 10 places separated the teams and Saints were looking for their first home win for over two months. They set about the league leaders and Borthwick shocked the travelling support with a hook shot from 20 yards that had Jam Gallacher clutching air. Luckily for Bankies the ball rebounded from the bar and Lambie sent the ball wide.

After a flurry from Bankies in which McCallan and Cooper had shots saved the home side were back on attack again and Lawson flicked the ball into the path of Anderson whose shot from the edge of the box was turned round the post by a fully stretched Gallacher.

Bankies recovered from this early barrage and a free-kick from Cooper was missed by everyone and Gregor Abel running in at the far post just failed to connect. Then in the 23rd minute Bankies came very close to opening the scoring when Mike Larnach picked up a through ball on the edge of the area and shot agonisingly wide of the far post.

Saints soon returned to the attack with Borthwick an inspiring midfield player. A great move ended with Hamilton firing in a shot that Jim Gallacher did well to turn for a corner.

Then Lawson and Taylor combined on the left and when the latter's cross came over Thomson rose above the Bankies' defence to power in a header that crashed off the bar with Gallacher well beaten.

This was a tremendous let off for Bankies but with the last move of the first half they missed a golden opportunity. Cooper sent a peach of a pass ahead of Larnach who ran in on goal. Just as he looked set to pick his spot be chose to square the ball to the inrushing McCallan and a great chance was wasted.

In the second half Saints still dominated midfield although never really Looking as dangerous. They lost Lawson with an injury and lacked punch up front.

Bankies had scoring chances themselves and Jim Lumsden had a tremendous 20 yard drive saved by the ever dependable Robertson who also saved well from Cooper and McCallan.

Late in the game Bankies began to take firmer grip as the home side tired and when Davie Cooper flicked a header in front of the unmarked Callaghan it looked as if the big man had only to slide the ball into the net but he completely miscued and sent the ball wide.

In the last few minutes Larnach and Cooper both were off target with shots and Bankies had to settle for a point.