Clydebank 1
Queen of South 1
League Cup (Group 6)

Match Report

The sight of five-year-olds being ushered off the pitch with a playful warning from the announcer - "You may get mixed up with our players!" - perfectly captured the extraordinary circumstances of this match at Kilbowie.

Clydebank were forced to field a team brimming with youthful exuberance, with a staggering eight teenagers thrust into the starting line-up. Their average age? A mere 17. The only familiar faces for the home fans were Dick Madden in goal, the ever-reliable Ernie Collumbine at right-half, and Ian Hawkshaw on the inside left.

Despite the odds stacked heavily against them, the "wee weans" of Clydebank put on a show to remember. They consistently outplayed a far more experienced Queen of the South side, knocking the ball around with surprising confidence.

The visitors started brightly, enjoying possession and peppering the Clydebank goal in the opening minutes. But the young Bankies refused to be intimidated. Hawkshaw, in the 6th minute, unleashed a long-range effort that sailed just over the bar, a warning shot of what was to come.

Young Alan Munro then surprised the Queens defence with a well-struck low shot that forced a desperate clearance from Watson. The Clydebank youngsters, far from being overawed by the occasion, were giving as good as they got, much to the frustration of the visitors.

The game settled into a fast-paced and entertaining affair. Both sides created good chances, but the heroics of Ball and Madden in their respective goals kept the scoresheet blank.

Then, just before half-time, came a moment of sheer drama. Young Caskie embarked on a mazy run through a non-existent Queens defence, finding himself clean through on goal. Keeper Ball, sensing danger, raced out to meet him. Unfortunately, the pace of the challenge proved too much for both players, resulting in a sickening collision. Caskie went airborne, twisting in mid-air before landing heavily, while Ball was left sprawled on the ground, winded. Thankfully, both players escaped serious injury, much to the relief of everyone at Kilbowie.

The second half saw a couple of personnel changes, with Clydebank bringing on Gray and Queens subbing in McChesney for the returning Jim Fleming.

The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes into the second half. Hawkshaw, under pressure, cleverly flicked the ball on to the young Gray. The teenager held his nerve before returning the ball to Hawkshaw, whose shot took a wicked deflection off the post and looped into the net, leaving Ball stranded.

Queens responded with renewed urgency, peppering the Clydebank goal with attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when McChesney snuck in at the near post and bundled the ball home, leaving a bewildered Madden with no chance.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but a combination of missed opportunities and some resolute defending ensured the spoils were shared.

This match served as a testament to the exciting young talent brewing at Clydebank. Given time and experience, these "wee weans" could well develop into a force to be reckoned with.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay