Cumbernauld Colts 1
Clydebank 2
League (Lowland League)

Match Report

Clydebank made it two wins from two in the Lowland League with a well-earned 2–1 victory over Cumbernauld Colts at Broadwood, thanks to a stunning winner from Dean Cairns just seconds into the second half. His perfectly controlled, first-time strike from the edge of the box was a thing of beauty—accuracy over power, and technique over brute force.

The match followed a similar pattern to Saturday’s win over East Stirlingshire, with the Bankies taking time to settle before growing into the game and dominating the second half.

Gordon Moffat noted after the match that tactical structure is more pronounced at this level, and again Clydebank found themselves up against a well-organised side. The Colts, like Shire, were compact and disciplined out of possession, making it hard to break through. That led to rushed passes, overambitious balls, and vulnerabilities on the counter—particularly on Broadwood’s wide, open pitch.

There was too much space between Nicky Low, Cairns, and the forward line early on, and the Bankies struggled to create. When they did get chances, Broun dealt comfortably with efforts from McLaughlin and Samson.

At the other end, Clydebank were fortunate not to fall behind sooner. Josh Jack ran clean through following a break from a Bankies corner, but Andy Leishman made a superb stop. The Colts did take the lead on 16 minutes, though—Scott Walker lashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner after a headed clearance dropped kindly for him.

It was a tough blow, but the timing of Clydebank’s equaliser couldn’t have been better. With four minutes to go before the break, Nicky Low’s corner was helped on by a defender and fell to Chris McGowan at the back post. The defender made no mistake, smashing high into the net to lift both players and fans.

Then, right after the restart, came the winner. A corner was cleared to Cairns, who guided his shot into the net with precision and poise. Similar in origin to the Colts’ opener—but, of course, better. Because it was a Clydebank goal.

The second half was one-way traffic. The Bankies pressed high, moved the ball well, and camped in the Colts' half. The only criticism is that the third goal never arrived. McLaughlin had a close-range effort somehow scrambled off the line, and another chance was nodded clear from a corner.

Inevitably, the Colts had one late chance. A low cross from the left found Osemake in space 12 yards out, but the substitute fluffed his lines completely, swinging at fresh air and letting Clydebank off the hook.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was professional. Six points from six, and encouraging signs in both games. There’s work to be done—particularly in capitalising when on top—but we’re adapting to a new level, new opponents, and unfamiliar grounds. With the fans turning out in strong numbers, the backing is clearly there.

Dean Cairns takes the Man of the Match award—not just for his superb winner, but for his influence after the break. He and Nicky Low ran the midfield in the second half. Andy Leishman’s vital save at 0–0 shouldn’t be forgotten either, and Craig Truesdale looked lively when introduced, relishing the space available.

Next up, it’s another first-time fixture—away to Civil Service Strollers. Another challenge, another new chapter in this adventure.

Match report written by Stuart McBay