Clydebank Post | Sport | FIVE ALIVE 03/08/06

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 2nd August, 2006 09:28

FIVE ALIVE 03/08/06

Budgie upbeat despite defeat in Ayrshire

Auchinleck .. 5 Clydebank .. 1

CLYDEBANK had a tough time in Ayrshire as they brought their pre-season to a close with a heavy defeat at the hands of Scottish Cup holders Auchinleck Talbot.

Things could have been so different, as with three minutes of Saturday’s match at Beachwood Park remaining, the game looked like it was heading for a draw with the score pegged at 1-1.

Multiple substitutions finally caught up with the visitors but it was still a shock to ship four goals in three minutes, even to one of junior football’s top sides.

The heavy defeat followed another midweek loss to fellow Ayrshire side Beith.

Clydebank went down 2-0 to the Super League First Division side at Bellsdale Park, who are now bossed by former Arthurlie gaffer Frank Lynch.

This was the least convincing of the four performances with Clydebank struggling to find any fluency in a scrappy game.

But Bankie boss Budgie McGhie remained upbeat about a run of games that got him familiar with his new squad and is looking forward to the big kick off.

He said: “I learned an awful lot about the players and we gave them all a chance to get back into it after the summer break.

“It is almost like a completely new team and it was good to get the chance to see them against strong opponents.

“There are lots of positives to take and we will continue to try and improve the squad throughout the Sectional League Cup.”

Clydebank return to competitive action this week, starting with a mouth-watering derby against Yoker Athletic at Holm Park tonight (Wednesday).

The Bankies have some injury doubts going into their first Sectional League Cup tie with John Cunningham and Gordon Lappin struggling to shake of ankle knocks.

Team boss McGhie will field a side that will scarcely resemble last season's and is likely to pick no fewer than nine new signings.

Experienced players such as Alan Jack, Andy Williamson and Andy Kenna are expected to make their debuts alongside the like of Martin McInnes and Barry Docherty who have made the step up from juvenile football.

And there could be even more new faces in for Saturday’s first home match of the season when Glasgow Perthshire come to Glenhead Park (2pm).

McGhie is in talks with Alloa Athletic to bring midfielder Jed Hoey to Glenhead Park on loan and he should be available for Saturday and has a chance of making the Yoker game.

Saturday's match at the Hibby will see Clydebank launch their new Nike away kit, an all-yellow strip similar to the one the side wore when Budgie McGhie was a young player in the early 80s.

The strip will be on sale at the club shop as will season tickets priced £40 and £10.

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