Clydebank Post | Sport | FLYING START 27/07/06

Monday, 13th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 26th July, 2006 09:03

FLYING START 27/07/06

By Jo-Anne Roud

It’s a win and a draw for Budgie’s boys

A SHARP looking Bankies side got their tough series of pre-season matches under way with an impressive result at Renfrew.

The Western Park outfit were runners-up in the Super League last season, so last Wednesday’s game was always going to prove difficult.

But a team brimming with new signings turned in a fine performance to notch a deserved 2-1 win.

A solid looking defence — marshalled by young Barry Docherty, who signed for the club this week — gave a skilful midfield and fast forward line the chance to show what they could do.

Alan Jack and Derek Forbes came close with spectacular efforts in an open and entertaining first half, but it wasn’t until after the break that Bankies made the breakthrough, with Jack tucking home a penalty kick after a handball in the box.

The home side levelled the match when their new signing from Arthurlie, Bonar McKenzie, sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Clydebank coach Bobby Cameron — deputising for Budgie McGhie and Jimmy McQuade, who were on holiday — made numerous changes after naming a 20-man squad.

Four minutes from time one of the players he introduced, Clinton Maxwell, timed his run to perfection to turn the ball home and win the match.

The only sour note was John Cunningham’s departure with an ankle knock, which will keep the big centre half out until the first home game of the season, against Glasgow Perthshire on Saturday, August 5.

The alarm bells were ringing again a few days later when Gordon Lappin was the victim of a horrendous challenge against St Andrews on Saturday.

Thankfully Lappy’s injury was not as bad as first thought and he will be available for this weekend’s trip to Auchinleck Talbot.

Team boss McGhie was back in the dugout for the trip to Fife and he made eight changes.

The home side took an early lead but a fine Mark Hailstones finish from a Lappin cross and a superb Alan Jack free kick turned the match on its head before the break.

Saints levelled in the second half and despite chances at either end, that completed the scoring.

This week, the Bankies face another tough double-header, with a trip to Beith tonight (Wednesday) before heading to Ayrshire on Saturday to play the Junior game’s top side, Auchinleck Talbot.

The match was meant to be played at Glenhead Park, but the playing surface wasn’t ready in time so it had to be switched.

After the friendlies are out of the way, Clydebank will turn their attention to local rivals Yoker Athletic in the sectional league cup, next Wednesday, August 2.

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