Linlithgow Rose 4
Clydebank 1
League (Lowland League)

Match Report

Don’t get a straight red card. Don’t get a straight red card. Don’t get a straight red card. These were the three most important things to avoid in a game of such magnitude, one which could ultimately decide the destination of the league title.

Win or lose, you accept the result on its own merits, and if it goes against you, you hold your hands up and say fair enough. But to handicap yourself after just thirteen minutes against one of the best teams in the league was catastrophic.

The odds are always stacked against you when you are reduced to ten men. Yes, we could have handled the situation better, but whether it finished 1-0 or 4-1 was largely irrelevant given the goal difference cushion we held going into the match. Any kind of defeat put Linlithgow Rose in the driving seat going into the final game of the season.

Much of the post-match analysis centred on the sending off, and whether David Syme would have been better off allowing Calum Rae a clear run on goal. Had he scored, we could have taken our medicine but still had a full complement of players on the pitch and plenty of time to recover. These things happen in the heat of the moment, and for that he can be forgiven. It was, however, the defining moment of the match.

The other major talking point was the decision over which player to sacrifice following the dismissal, with Matt Niven introduced to shore up the defence. Gordon Moffat elected to withdraw Owen Wardell, and explained his reasoning in his post-match interview.

With the benefit of hindsight, I would have preferred to keep Wardell on the pitch and instead take off either Keir Samson or Neil McLaughlin. Whether that would have worked any better is anyone’s guess, but it would at least have retained an outlet ball - something neither Samson nor McLaughlin were really offering.

As for the game itself, Linlithgow’s need for victory appeared greater than the Bankies’ and it showed in their fast start. James Berry crashed an effort off the crossbar and the home side’s intent was clear from the outset. Clydebank, by contrast, were surprisingly nervy, with Cairns and McHugh both guilty of sending passes out of play.

However, the Bankies have shown in recent seasons that once we settle into a match we can grow into it, and there was perhaps a hint of that after nine minutes when McLaughlin volleyed a Wardell cross just over the bar.

Then came the red card after 13 minutes. Syme was caught on his blind side by Rae, and the rest is history.

To their credit, the Bankies remained positive, and a near-post flick from Samson that drifted wide showed there was still attacking intent.

Two further key moments followed. There had been some suggestion beforehand that Matt Niven might have started to deal with the physical threat of Blair Henderson, but his lack of recent game time likely counted against him. Unfortunately, it was his error after 24 minutes that gifted Linlithgow the opening goal.

A fairly routine ball into the middle was missed completely by Niven, and as it rolled into the path of Henderson, he could scarcely believe his luck as he guided the ball beyond Stott.

Moments later, Clydebank passed up a glorious opportunity to equalise. Nicky Low produced an excellent through ball for Samson, but on this occasion the striker snatched at the chance. He might have taken another touch or attempted to round the goalkeeper, but instead shot early from too far out and struck it straight at Binnie. With chances at a premium, it really needed to be taken.

The game was effectively decided on the stroke of half-time as Linlithgow doubled their lead. Lucas Stenhouse may have plenty to say for himself, but he is an undoubted talent with the ball at his feet. He twisted McHugh on the right before delivering a cross to the back post, where Adam McGowan connected well. Owen Stott will feel he could have done better, however, as he was unable to push the ball away from goal.

Much like their approach against Celtic in midweek, Linlithgow adopted a more contained approach in the second half. Clydebank saw more of the ball and did work their way into a few promising positions, with McHugh firing over and Dom Docherty seeing two efforts blocked.

However, as is often the case, a side reduced to ten men remains vulnerable. Linlithgow’s third goal, after 67 minutes, came from their first meaningful attack of the half. Again, the defending was not convincing, as Kennedy was allowed to wriggle free of both McGowan and Niven before delivering a near-post cross which Henderson headed high into the net.

With so many permutations in the title race, goal difference was becoming a factor, so there was some relief when Clydebank pulled a goal back. Nicky Low produced a superb free-kick after Docherty had been fouled on the edge of the box.

Unfortunately, the scoring was not finished. Deep into stoppage time, Henderson completed his hat-trick. Giving Dylan Paterson the benefit of the doubt, we’ll call it a shot rather than a cross, but the ball came back off the crossbar and fell kindly for Henderson to fire home.

Linlithgow celebrated at the final whistle, as they were entitled to do. They have beaten all of their rivals in the run-in and, if they go on to win the league next week at Bonnyrigg, they will be worthy champions.

However, it is not over yet. If Clydebank can dust themselves down and beat Caley Braves at Holm Park next week, then Linlithgow must win at New Dundas Park. Nothing else will be enough.

Bonnyrigg’s 2-2 draw at Broxburn has effectively ended their title hopes, but they are not without motivation. No side relishes seeing opponents clinch a title on their own ground, and professional pride alone should ensure they remain competitive. They also boast the best home record in the league and are more than capable of taking points off Linlithgow.

For Clydebank, the task is simple. Take care of our own business. It may no longer be entirely in our hands, but it is far from impossible. A big crowd at Holm Park could make all the difference - and then we wait to see what unfolds elsewhere.

Match report written by Stuart McBay