Clydebank 2
Forfar Ath 3
League (Division 2)

Match Report

Clydebank should have have been out of sight in this match, but instead found themselves two goals behind twice despite dominating much of the game. They were punished for profligacy in front of goal, while Forfar took their chances ruthlessly, and the comeback came too late.

The Bankies fielded the same team that triumphed over Hamilton midweek, but their joy was short-lived as Eddie Moore was forced off with an injury in the second half, replaced by Jim Fleming.

Clydebank dominated the opening exchanges, with Tommy McGhee causing havoc in the Forfar defence. He squandered several golden opportunities, leaving the home fans frustrated.

Against the run of play, Forfar took the lead in controversial fashion. Young, seemingly in an offside position, collected the ball and fired past a helpless Dunne. The decision by the referee to allow the goal sparked protests from the home side.

Forfar continued to grow in confidence and were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Young was brought down by Moore inside the box. Stewart calmly converted from the spot to double the visitors' lead.

However, Clydebank refused to surrender without a fight. They pulled a goal back just before half time through a penalty of their own. McGhee's header was illegally handled on the line by a Forfar defender, and Moy stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

The hope for a comeback in the second half was quickly dashed. Just three minutes into the restart, Dunne misjudged a ball over the top, allowing Young to round him and slot home his second of the game.

Despite the setback, Clydebank responded positively. Substitute Fleming restored some hope with a thunderous strike that found the corner of the net in the 61st minute.

The Bankies continued to press for an equaliser, but their finishing woes returned to haunt them. Numerous chances went begging, and the Forfar defence held firm to secure a vital victory.

This defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Clydebank. Their dominance in possession was ultimately meaningless due to a lack of clinical finishing. The missed points could prove costly in their pursuit of a top-six finish.

On a brighter note, young Jimmy Caskie received a well-deserved call-up to the Scottish Professional Youth Team, highlighting the talent emerging from the Bankies' youth setup. Clydebank also bolstered their ranks with the signing of 16-year-old Danny Gray from Chelsea, a promising young talent eager to prove himself. However, injuries to Moore and King cast a shadow over the team ahead of their upcoming trip to face East Fife.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay