Clydebank 3
Stenhousemuir 2
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

Despite having nothing to play for in the cup competition, both Clydebank and Stenhousemuir delivered an entertaining and close contest on Saturday. The match ended with a 3-2 victory for Clydebank, but a draw wouldn't have been a surprise.

Clydebank's youthful exuberance and pace were countered by Stenhousemuir's experience. While Clydebank started strong, their energy waned in the later stages, allowing Stenhousemuir back into the game. Ultimately, Clydebank emerged victorious, but only just.

Clydebank continued to use their 4-2-4 formation, despite some doubts about its effectiveness. Their youth and room for development were evident throughout the match.

The standout player of the match was arguably Stenhousemuir's centre forward Bobby Black, who scored both their goals and kept the Clydebank defence on their toes.

The first goal came in the 19th minute when Tony Moy scored with a brilliant header from a Tommy McGhee cross. Just three minutes later, Black equalised after a mistake by Clydebank's Ernie Collumbine, who miskicked a clearance.

Clydebank regained the lead before half-time thanks to a powerful shot from right winger McGill in the 29th minute.

The second half started well for Clydebank, who put the Stenhousemuir defence under pressure. However, this dominance was short-lived as Stenhousemuir's Black scored again in the 58th minute, capitalising on another Clydebank defensive error.

The rest of the match was an open battle with both teams searching for the winner. Clydebank's defence, with four or five players deployed, showed moments of panic due to a lack of communication between the goalkeeper and defenders.

The winning goal came in the 70th minute through a stroke of luck. Donald McDonald's left-wing cross was fumbled by the Stenhousemuir goalkeeper, allowing John Cummings to tap the ball into the net. This was unfortunate for the goalkeeper, who had otherwise played well.

Match report written by Stuart McBay