Clydebank 3
Stenhousemuir 2
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

With both sides out of the running for a quarter-final place following Brechin City's qualification, Saturday’s fixture might have been expected to lack intensity—but the players had other ideas. What unfolded at New Kilbowie was a lively and entertaining contest that belied its dead-rubber status, with Clydebank edging a narrow win over Stenhousemuir.

In truth, a draw would have been a fairer result. The Larbert side played their part in a match full of attacking ambition, and the Bankies had more than a little good fortune in claiming the points. Still, the victory provided a timely boost for the home support.

Clydebank again deployed the 4-2-4 formation, though it’s becoming increasingly clear that the system doesn’t quite suit the youthful squad. What the side lacks in experience, however, it continues to make up for in enthusiasm and pace. That energy was on display early on but flagged noticeably in the later stages as Stenhousemuir’s guile began to show.

The standout performer was unquestionably visiting centre-forward Black, who notched both of Stenhousemuir’s goals and was a constant menace to the Clydebank defence.

Tony Moy opened the scoring for the Bankies on 19 minutes with a fine header from a well-flighted Tommy McGhee cross. But the lead lasted only three minutes. Ernie Collumbine, attempting to clear, sliced his kick straight to Black, who gratefully lashed the ball home.

Clydebank restored their advantage before the break. On 29 minutes, right winger McGill broke into space and fired a powerful shot beyond Cunningham to make it 2–1 at half-time.

The Bankies resumed brightly, pinning back their opponents for a spell, but couldn’t convert their pressure into a third goal. Then, in 58 minutes, disaster struck. Collumbine underhit a passback, and Black pounced, rounding Wilson and calmly slotting home his second of the afternoon.

The match opened up, with both sides pushing for a winner. Clydebank’s defence, at times stacked five deep, showed signs of confusion and lacked clear communication with the goalkeeper—a concern that will need addressing.

But in the 70th minute, Clydebank grabbed the decisive goal. Donald McDonald surged down the left and sent in a teasing cross. Keeper Cunningham, who had otherwise been solid, fumbled the ball under pressure, and John Cummings was on hand to tap it into the empty net.

The win won’t disguise the defensive frailties or the tactical growing pains, but it was a spirited performance that hinted at promise. With time and experience, this young Clydebank side could yet develop into a formidable force.

Match report written by Stuart McBay