Published: Wednesday, 14th November, 2007 10:15
No way through
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TOUGH LUCK: Troon put men behind the ball to keep a clean sheet
Troon 1 Clydebank 0
BANKIES long unbeaten league run was blown away by strugglers Troon at a blustery Portland Park.
A dramatic injury time winner left Budgie McGhie’s side gutted and made for a miserable journey back up the M77 for the huge travelling support.
The Ayrshiremen went into the match chasing their first league win and got their reward for remaining dogged throughout.
But Bankies only have themselves to blame for not coming away with at least a point.
It was not a day for pretty football as the wind whipped in off the Firth of Clyde to make it tough to get the ball down and play.
A defensive lapse presented Mark Bowie with the best chance of a ragged first half but the striker’s shot was superbly tipped over by keeper Darren Johnson.
From the corner, a powerful John Cunningham effort looked netbound until a Troon defender on the line booted it clear.
Paul Allum did the same job at the other end minutes later when he cleared at the back post to thwart the home side’s best attack of the first half.
Gaffer McGhie was forced into a change after the break when Bowie picked up a toe injury and was replaced by Paul Craig.
Without ever reaching the attacking heights of the free-scoring run that was soon to come to an abrupt halt, Bankies were still the better team and had the best chances.
Johnson again denied the visitors when he blocked a James Lennox near post flick after Hailstones’ excellent turn and cross into the box.
The impressive keeper also stopped an Allum cross from reaching Craig after the full back found acres of space on the right to deliver.
Bankies kept pushing for the winner and brought on Lee Sichi to add pace to the midfield.
But the game’s decisive moment came at the other end after a defensives lapse was punished in the very last minute.
Midfielder Gary Russell drilled the ball home from inside the box after good work from Bryan Mitchell to give Troon their first win of the season.
It was a real blow to the Bankies who have now lost five points to the bottom two sides in the league.
Clydebank: Gonet, Allum, McInnes, Kenna (Sichi), Cunningham, Docherty, Lennox, Lappin, Hailstones, Jack, Bowie (Craig).
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Further Details
Selkirk seals away deal win for Bankies