Clydebank 1
Berwick Rangers 0
League (Division 2)

Match Report

The horrendous weather conditions turned Kilbowie Park into a skating rink, making a proper game of football nearly impossible for both sides.

The snow persisted throughout most of the first half, but as the sun emerged near the end, it began to melt, transforming the pitch into a vast network of puddles. It wasn't exactly ideal playing conditions, and one has to wonder how the players managed to keep their footing.

Clydebank emerged victorious thanks to a solitary goal in the 16th minute. Following a Fleming header that was cleared, Tony Moy seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful close-range shot that rocketed into the net.

Prior to the goal, Eddie Rutherford showcased his dazzling pace with a surging run down the right flank. His whipped-in cross was met by Berwick's goalkeeper-manager, Jock Wallace, who managed to palm it over the bar.

Wallace proved to be a thorn in Clydebank's side throughout the match, denying them a more comprehensive win with a string of impressive saves, particularly from efforts by Fleming and Moy.

Berwick weren't entirely out of the contest. Right-winger Dowds had a chance to equalize just before halftime, but his shot sailed just over the bar.

While they dominated midfield possession, Berwick lacked a cutting edge in attack, squandering several scoring opportunities due to wayward finishing.

Clydebank handed a start to 17-year-old Dougie Hay, who impressed with his tireless work ethic. He came close to scoring on two occasions and slotted in seamlessly alongside Edie Moore and the experienced Ernie Collumbine, who returned to his sweeper role after a period on the sidelines.

Defensively, Clydebank were rock-solid, setting a high standard. However, their attack lacked a bit of spark, especially through the middle.

Centre-forward Jim Fleming was particularly wasteful in front of goal, and the report suggests he might not be the best fit for the attacking system.

A recurring frustration for the Clydebank faithful was Tony Moy being left isolated upfront during counter-attacks. He often faced insurmountable odds, having to battle against two or three Berwick defenders at a time.

Fortunately, there are no new injury concerns for Clydebank. Frank McAleer remains the only absentee as he recovers from a knee injury.

The club further bolstered their youth ranks with the signing of Scottish Schools and Youth Cap Jim Fallon, a student at Holy Cross High School in Hamilton. The 17-year-old is a classmate of Jim Devlin, Clydebank's youth team centre-forward, which likely played a role in his decision to join the club. Fallon operates in the centre-half position.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay