Forfar Ath 1
Clydebank 2
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

A strong gale-force wind dominated the encounter between Clydebank and Forfar, making well-constructed football difficult.

Russell hitt the side netting in the opening minute for the visitors as Clydebank started brightly. Only some good defending from left-back Young prevented them from taking an early lead.

The wind played an indirect role in Clydebank's first goal. Russell's lofted ball into the box deceived both Moore, who missed it completely, and goalkeeper Ritchie, who let the ball bounce over his head and into the net.

Clydebank's confidence soared after the opener. Ritchie made a good save to deny Jenkins' low drive, while Forfar threatened at the other end with Matthews' shot narrowly missing the post and a handball shout in the box waved away.

Knox missed a golden opportunity to equalize for Forfar, blazing his shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. Clydebank capitalised on this miss, doubling their lead through Jenkins. Moore found himself clear on goal through a Jenkins pass, and despite offside claims from the Forfar defence, the striker volleyed home a fantastic shot from 30 yards.

Moy nearly added a third for Clydebank with a shot tipped over by Ritchie. Forfar responded with a header from May, but Clydebank remained the more dangerous side. Right-half Walker was booked for a foul on Moy.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Forfar pressed heavily in search of an equaliser. Clydebank defended resolutely, trying to hold onto their two-goal advantage. The pressure paid off for Forfar after 50 minutes when Knox headed home a Wyles cross. Bankies goalkeeper Madden was caught out as he mis-judged the ball in the wind.

Jenkins was shown a yellow card for dissent, while Walker saw two good efforts superbly saved by Madden. A powerful 30-yard shot from Forfar's left-back also came close, rebounding off the upright.

Clydebank only needed a point to secure qualification from the group, but they dug deep to secure both points and win the section outright.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay