Clydebank 2
Queen of South 2 (AET)
Scottish Cup (2nd Preliminary Round Replay)

Match Report

210 minutes of pulsating football still couldn't separate Clydebank and Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup second Preliminary round. With a place against Stirling Albion in the first round proper hanging in the balance, the two sides will battle it out for a third time at Firhill tonight.

The previous two encounters, a 2-2 draw in Dumfries and a thrilling replay at Kilbowie Park with the same scoreline, offered a glimpse of what to expect tonight: a classic cup tie brimming with drama and unrelenting effort.

Last night's replay wasn't for the faint of heart. It was a full-blooded affair, devoid of intricate play but packed with heart-stopping moments. All four goals were scored in regulation time, with the additional 30 minutes proving an anti-climax as exhausted players struggled to maintain the frenetic pace.

Clydebank, particularly impressive in the first half with their direct attacking approach and strong midfield-forward connection, squandered several opportunities to win the tie. They recovered from an early shock when Ian McChesney put Queens ahead with a swerving shot, but a determined response saw them level the score in the 25th minute. Centre-half Eddie Moore initiated a dazzling run from midfield, evading three defenders before setting up Tony Moy for a powerful finish.

Harry Rutherford tormented the Queens defence with his pace and skill on the right wing, forcing outstanding saves from goalkeeper Allan Ball. However, a tactical shift in the second half saw Clydebank neglect Rutherford's attacking threat.

The 80th minute witnessed a stroke of fortune for Clydebank. A long-range effort from Rutherford looked destined to sail wide, but Queens defender Willie Collings inadvertently deflected the ball into the path of Moy, who gratefully slotted it home to put the Bankies ahead.

Just when victory seemed secured, Queens refused to surrender. Inspired performances from Jimmy Davison, Lex Law, and Jim Kerr kept them in the fight. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Bobby Carroll capitalized on a spilled save by Clydebank goalkeeper Dick Madden to snatch a dramatic equalizer.

The only blemish on an otherwise fiercely contested match came in extra time when Arthur Paterson, a late substitute for Clydebank, received a yellow card for a foul on Mike Barker.

Tonight's encounter at neutral Firhill promises another chapter in this captivating cup tie saga. Who will finally break the deadlock and secure a place in the first round proper?

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay