St Johnstone 3
Clydebank 3
League (Division 1)

Match Report

The Muirton Park programme read: No need to introduce Blair Millar. He always scores against us." What it did not point out is that the big man can also make goals.

For the transfer-seeking striker set up Gerry McCabe and Bobby Williamson for goals as well as netting his own 100th (including Stirlingshire Cup games) for the Bankies.

His goal, Clydebank's second, and substitute Williamson's equaliser came within two minutes of each other in a match which never lived up to its scoreline. With the sides sharing six goals, it would be a reasonable assumption this was an end-to-end, thrill-a-minute clash between two sides determined to throw away the game's "meaningless" tag.

It wasn't. Apart from the excitement generated by the goals, there was very little to cheer about on the day more suited to lazing in the sun than playing football.

When Gerry McCabe turned in Millar's cross to give Bankies a ninth minute lead, it had looked as if they were going to stroll to an easy two points from their final away game. But a minute later, Andy Brannigan darted between Budgie McGhie and Jim Gallacher to prod home a Kilgour cross, and Saints were level.

Then, shortly before the break, John Brogan scored as cheeky a goal as you'll see. From almost on the bye line, he seemed to be set for a low cross, but instead beat Gallacher with a shot which went between the 'keeper and the near post.

When Brannigan put Saints 3-1 ahead halfway through the second half, Bankies looked dead and buried. But then an inspired double substitution changed the course of the whole match.

After McKeown and Williamson replaced Hughes and Ronald, and Clydebank abandoned their usual flowing, passing style and used Jim Gallacher's kicking ability to get in behind the shaky home defence.

With 15 minutes left, one kickout found Coyne, and his fine cross was nodded home by Millar. A minute later, the 'keeper found Jim Fallon, he punted to Millar and his flick was headed past the static Tulloch by Bobby Williamson.

With a minute to go, Blair Millar almost scored a deserved winner for Bankies, but from close range he headed over the bar.

So, a fruitful afternoon for Blair, but what of the other three Bankies set to leave Kilbowie. Gerry Ronald, as I already mentioned, was substituted after the third St. Johnstone goal, and he had a very quiet game up to that point.

Jim Given and Tony Gervaise were more impressive. Gervaise broke up most of the home side's attacks, and kept winger Stuart Beedie on a close range. The full-back also took time off from his defensive duties to set up several promising moves. Most of these moves involved Gerry McCabe or Given, who, as usual, worked hard up and down the left hand side of the field

This was a pleasing performance was Clydebank, who showed enough commitment, especially during their fightback, to make the fans' long trip worthwhile.