East Stirlingshire 2
Clydebank 2
League (Division 1)

Match Report

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How the other side saw it
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East Stirling boss Bill Lamont had urged his aide to end the season "In a blaze of glory" - but his plea brought only a faint flicker of a response from the Shire players on Wednesday night.

Writing in the Shire programme. he made it clear that while on the 'surface the Clydebank fixture was a meaningless one, points were worth much-needed cash to the club.

But sadly Shire short-changed the manager with a less than inspiring display. After cashing in on a dozy Bankies' defence to go two up within the opening 16 minutes. the Firs Parkers completely frustrated their fans by relaxing their grip and allowing the visitors to level the scores before half-an-hour had been played.

Shire were playing in front of one of their poorest crowds of the season, and no doubt the lack of atmosphere had a significant bearing on the efforts on the field.

One very interested spectator was Dundee boss Donald Mackay, who was watching an East Stirling side who on Saturday stand between the Dens Park side and promotion and on the evidence of this Shire display he wouldn't have too many sleepless nights.

Things looked bright for the home side as they took the lead after only four minutes. Ricky Sharp raced down the centre and slipped the ball back to George HUNTER, who wasted no time in striking a fierce 20-yard drive high into the far corner of the net.

And home fans must have thought that a goal spree was in store as Shire went further ahead six minutes later. Kenny Ashwood, who had shown promise with his early raids down the left flank. struck a near-post cross and lan RENNIE headed home from point- blank range.

However the balance swung in Bankies' favour two minutes later when a shot rebounded off the home defence and MILLAR despatched a drive well out of keeper Kelly's reach.

Shire might have, gone further ahead a few minutes later when Ashwood and Gourlay combined to set up a chance for Hunter, but this time the midfield man's long-range shot went over the bar.

But just on the half hour it was Bankies who found the net for their second goal. Millar found space on the right to cross and GIVEN on the edge of the 18-yard box, chipped a first time shot which spun high over Kelly and dropped into the net.

The game went rapidly downhill after Bankies had equalised. Shire showed none of the urgency which had earned them a two-goal lead as too many of their players simply faded.

Wee Bobby McCulley was the one player who attempted to halt the slide towards mediocrity, constantly snapping at the heels of the Clydebank midfield men and urging his own side forward.

He was involved in a second half move which should have resulted in a goal. When Ashwood slipped into the box on the left McCulley took possession and played a lovely back heeler for Ashwood who, startled at finding himself in a scoring position, shot straight at the keeper.