Stranraer 1
Clydebank 0
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

Clydebank made the long journey to Stair Park for their penultimate League Cup group match and were warmly welcomed, both in the official programme and by the home crowd. However, what unfolded on the pitch was anything but hospitable, as a dour game was settled by a single Stranraer goal midway through the second half.

Both sides lined up in the now-fashionable 4-2-4 formation, but neither appeared particularly suited to the system. The result was a tactical deadlock, with little real attacking fluency and both forward lines largely nullified.

From the outset, Clydebank’s most promising play came down the left wing. Willie McCallum and Tony Moy linked up well, sticking to more orthodox wide play. McCallum remained tight to the touchline and regularly found space thanks to Moy’s sharp passing. The pair created the bulk of Bankies’ chances, but too often the rest of the front line failed to capitalise.

Moy came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half with a diving header from a McCallum cross that skimmed just wide of the upright. Stranraer’s only serious threat came from King, whose powerful drive was tipped over superbly by Ronnie Wilson.

After the interval, Clydebank had a strong claim for a goal when Ernie Collumbine met another McCallum delivery with a smart downward header. Stranraer keeper Thomson was beaten, but full-back Brown somehow managed to nod the ball off the line, colliding painfully with the post in the process.

Stranraer struck the decisive blow with a rare moment of incisiveness. King forced his way through Clydebank’s back line and, after drawing the defence and goalkeeper, slipped the ball to Halliday, who calmly lobbed into the net.

There was frustration on both sides at a couple of penalty shouts that might have enlivened the contest: Gourlay handled in the Stranraer box, while Collumbine appeared to bring down Hanlon at the other end. The referee waved both away.

Beyond the McCallum–Moy partnership, Clydebank had steady contributions from McDonald—who was forced off late on through injury and replaced by Alex Stewart—as well as McGill and McGhee in defence. Yet overall, this was a flat performance in a match that barely flickered into life.

On balance, a draw would have been a fairer reflection of proceedings, but the solitary goal was enough to consign Clydebank to a fourth consecutive defeat.

Match report written by Stuart McBay