BANKIES closed the gap at the top of the Super League First Division to one point with a 3-0 win over Maybole Juniors on Saturday writes David Brockett.

First-half goals from Nicky Little and Joel Kasubandi gave Clydebank a commanding two-goal lead at the break, before Little’s 90th-minute strike sealed all three points for the Bankies.

League leaders Largs drew 1-1 with Cumbernauld United, meaning they stay top of the pile by a solitary point.

Clydebank started the brighter and had the first opportunity of the game. Graham Mort was upended 30 yards from goal, with Rab O’Neill blazing the resulting free kick well over the bar.

Bankies continued to press and were rewarded with the opener game on 12 minutes when Holms’ cross was punched to the edge of the box by on-loan goalkeeper Louis Kerr, with Little on hand to lift the ball over the 'keeper and into the back of the net.

A minute later, Bankies should have doubled their lead. Fine work by Burbidge down the right saw the pacey winger cut the ball back from the right to Kasubandi, with Kerr producing a brilliant double save to deny Little’s rebounded effort.

Bankies then did double their advantage less than 60 seconds later. Quick feet from Holms saw him slip the ball into Kasubandi, who rounded the 'keeper before prodding in his first goal since October.

Midway through the half, the hosts should have put the game out of Maybole’s reach. Hashim Cole, Bankies’ only change, forced a flying save from Kerr with a rasping drive from distance and Bankies went in at half time two goals to the good.

The visitors then had boss Carlo Walker dismissed for an overzealous rant at the assistant as Maybole stepped up their efforts.

Michael Reilly went closest for the visitors, with his shot stinging the palms of Josh Lumsden, who was to keep his ninth clean sheet of the season.

Kasubandi then fired straight at Kerr before Bankies were denied by the offside flag once more. captain Phil Barclay made his return from injury, replacing Mort, while Kasubandi made way for Greg Cree.

The win was sealed on the stroke of full time. Kerr was unable to control a firm back pass, but the influential Little was on hand to steal the ball and take his tally for the season into double figures.

CLYDEBANK: Lumsden, MacKinnon, Cole, Lyden, O’Neill, Vezza, Burbidge, Mort, Kasubandi, Little, Holms.