Motherwell 0
Clydebank 0
League (Division 1)

Match Report

Clydebank almost spoiled Motherwell's promotion party at Fir Park on Saturday.

It was to have been 'Well's big day, the day when they wrapped up the Championship after a steamrolling season under Davie Hay.

But the gate-crashers from Kilbowie silenced the Fir Park revellers with a skilful, controlled performance which deserved more than the point Bankies took from the game. Needing only one point to make absolutely certain of the First Division flag, the runaway leaders approached the game far too casually, and as so often happens on these occasions, their celebrations fell a bit flat.

After greeting their heroes with a standing ovation, the home fans slumped gradually into restless silence, more reminiscent of the morning after than the big day.

Not that Bankies were ever likely to put them to sleep. They were always looking to attack and get into the home penalty box. Only some slack finishing prevented them taking both points.

The man who did more than anyone to torment the 'Well defence was Gerry Ronald. He had a magnificent game, popping up everywhere to weave his special brand of entertainment.

The only complaint that could be levelled at him is he doesn't end enough of his runs by getting the ball on target, but he is a goal maker, not a scorer, and the chances he made for his forward should have been converted.

Bobby Williamson, playing from the start in place of Tommy Coyne, but substituted in the second half, laid on the best chance of the game for Blair Millar.

From yet another Ronald pass, he measured his cross for Miller's head, but from point blank range the ball hit the post and went wide. It was a chance lost right on half-time and Bankies must have regretted it.

Luckily, Motherwell never looked like scoring. Brian McLaughlin and substitute Bruce Clelland both shot straight at Jim Gallacher, and former Bankie, John Gahagan shot over from close range. Apart from that, they never performed as a team, never mind a title-winning team.

Clydebank were skilful, entertaining and very cool without posing too many problems for Hugh Sproat in the Well goal. They were certainly more committed and a lot fresher than in the past three games, and a very pleasant team to watch.