Published: Wednesday, 31st October, 2007 10:00
Bankies winning streak continues
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COSY: Players share a hug
Pic by: Alistair McVicar
CLYDEBANK moved within four points of the top of the table after six of the best against fellow promoted side Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.
And with a game in hand over the three teams above them, the numbers are all adding up for unbeaten Bankies.
They faced a Rob Roy side who – until Saturday – were also unbeaten, but even with several ex-Bankies in their ranks, the visitors ill discipline destroyed their chances and the 700-strong crowd at Glenhead Park were treated to another fine display.
Manager Budgie McGhie rang the changes following the comfortable cup win against Stonehouse Violet, with Ged Hoey, David Carr and Lee Sichi replaced by Andy Kenna, Mark Hailstones and Alan Jack.
Bankies started slowly but eased into the game and Rob Roy keeper Kevin Bell was called upon twice in just three minutes, firstly to deny Jack from a direct free-kick then to hold a Cunningham header.
Bell was now well and truly in the game, tipping the ball around the post as Andy Kenna headed goalwards. From the resultant corner, James Lennox found space and neatly headed the Bankies into the lead.
As half-time approached, Rob Roy pushed for the equaliser but instead they ended up with Stewart Maxwell seeing red.
He enjoyed the warm soapiness of an early bath after he was adjudged to have stamped on Paul Allum.
Bankies doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute when Hailstones – a constant thorn in the Rabs’ defence – was tripped in the box and Jack kept his cool to slot home from 12-yards.
A second penalty in as many minutes was awarded to the home side when a short back header by Mitchell allowed Hailstones to nip in and keeper Bell was adjudged to have impeded his progress towards goal.
Cue red mist as goalkeeper Bell collected two red cards for an assault on Hailstones and team-mate James Prunty chipped in with a red of his own for kicking the ball at the tricky 24-year-old.
However, Hailstones himself also walked on the linesman’s orders.
The Rabs were forced to put an outfield player in goals and his first task was to pick the ball out of the net as Jack dispatched his second penalty.
Despite having just eight men on the pitch, they pulled one back through Brian Vaugh’s header which Gonet struggled in vain to keep out.
The gap was then reduced to just one when lapse defending allowed Chris Zok to sweep home.
However, any hopes of an equaliser were soon dashed as Jack controlled a high ball with ease and played in Lennox and he rounded the stand in keeper.
Number five came from a quick interchange of passes from left to right with Allum’s centre met by Andy Kenna who dinked the ball over the keeper.
It was now damage limitation for the visitors but they could not deny Kenna his second goal after his first shot was deflected onto the post.
Finally, the referee brought an incredible afternoons entertainment – eight goals, two penalties and three red cards – to an end.
Clydebank: Gonet, Allum, McInnes, Lennox, Cunningham (Soutar 70), Friel, Lennox, Lappin, Hailstones, Jack (Sichi 78), Craig (Docherty 87).
Next week it is back to Scottish Cup duty at Glenhead as the Bankies entertain Forfar West End, kick off 2pm. As ever, a big crowd is expected so head as early as possible.
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