Clydebank 2
Queen of South 4
League (Division 2)

Match Report

A disastrous performance from Clydebank saw them slump to a humiliating home defeat against Queen of the South in front of a frustrated crowd of 500. This was arguably the Bankies' worst showing of the season, and the fans wasted no time voicing their displeasure.

The home side started brightly, creating several chances within the opening 15 minutes. Despite a shaky Queens defence, Clydebank's finishing let them down. Moore, in particular, squandered a golden opportunity, firing tamely into the hands of goalkeeper Ball.

This early miss proved to be a turning point. In the 15th minute, Dick punished Clydebank's profligacy with a well-placed shot that found the net, while Ruddy stood by meekly and let him. This goal sparked a collapse for the Bankies, who descended into a series of misplaced passes, poor finishing, and dreadful defending.

Queens doubled their lead just four minutes later through McChesney, mirroring their first goal with the Clydebank defence offering no resistance. The home side continued to struggle, and Moore's close-range miss in the 33rd minute summed up their woes. He was later forced off with a foot injury and replaced by Fleming at half-time.

If Clydebank were hoping for a change in fortunes after the break, they were sorely disappointed. Queens emerged hungrier and determined to widen the gap. They ruthlessly exploited Clydebank's defensive frailties, adding two more goals in quick succession.

Mitchell capitalised on a rebound from Dunne in the 65th minute, before Dick grabbed his second eight minutes later to put the game out of reach. The vocal Clydebank crowd turned on their own team, with many heading for the exits early.

Facing the wrath of the remaining fans seemed to spark a late fightback from the beleaguered Bankies. Fleming, surprisingly, ignited their comeback with a stunning 30-yard strike that left goalkeeper Ball stranded. This goal seemed to awaken the rest of the team, who suddenly laid siege to the Queens' goal.

Fleming grabbed another goal with a well-taken shot from a Moy pass, raising a flicker of hope for a comeback. They continued to bombard the Queens' goal in the closing minutes, but it proved too little, too late.

This match will go down as a day to forget for Clydebank. Their abysmal performance in the first half and defensive errors throughout gifted Queen of the South a comfortable victory. While Fleming's late brace offered a glimmer of hope, it was ultimately a consolation in a demoralising defeat.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay