Clydebank Post | Sport | Maryhill sent tumbling down

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 28th May, 2008 10:00

Maryhill sent tumbling down

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CELEBRATE: Mark Hailstones is mobbed after the opener

Maryhill 0 Clydebank 2

CLYDEBANK made sure of their Super League status thanks to a win that also relegated hosts Maryhill.

A goal in each half was enough to take all three points on a bumpy Lochburn Park to relieve the pressure on Budgie McGhie’s side.

Hill still had a chance of staying up and with former Bankies Chris McKie and Robert Anderson in their ranks, they certainly had the fire power.

But Clydebank had a point to prove after a disastrous outing last Friday when they lost at home to bottom side Johntone Burgh.

There was little in the way of quality football during the opening exchanges but Mark Hailstones looked lively in attack. The club’s longest serving player was asked to perform the lone striker role after Kevin Proctor failed a late fitness test.

And, despite carrying a knock himself, the fans’ favourite gave it his all. When the breakthrough came it was fitting it was from Hailstones — and it was a beauty.

Hill failed to clear as Bankies piled on the pressure and when the ball dropped just outside the box, he thrashed home a superb shot on the half volley.

Charlie Hobbs had a great chance to level before the break when he raced through on goal with just Barry John Corr to beat.

But the big keeper won out when he smothered the striker’s weak effort to keep his side ahead.

Paul Craig, who came on after an hour, was to make a big impact on the match. The tall striker did well getting on the end of some mighty clearances from Corr while his pace caused problems.

It was from his boot they doubled the lead, punishing poor defending to force the ball past Steven Soave. The second goal eased the nerves and knocked the fight out of doomed Hill.

Paul Allum and Martin McInnes were in fine form on the right while Andy Kenna repeatedly burst forward. Bankies really should have added to their tally and Allum, Craig and David Fisher all had good opportunities.

Sinclair Soutar had probably the best chance to add to the lead when the big defender got on the end of a Craig cut back. A Sinky goal — the rarest of things — would have delighted the travelling support, but the big man’s shot was straight at Soave.

In the end, a win was all that mattered and Clydebank can now enjoy their remaining three matches knowing they have stayed up.

CLYDEBANK: Corr, McInnes, Soutar, Packham, Cunningham, Allum, Jack (Lappin), Docherty (Lennox), Kenna, Fisher, Hailstones (Craig) Subs not used: Jordan, Miller.

● Clydebank play tonight (Wednesday) away to Kilbirnie Ladeside then on Saturday against Troon, with the venue moved to Holm Park. Kick off 2pm.

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