CLYDEBANK kicked off their return to the top flight with a narrow 1-0 defeat to treble winners Glenafton Athletic on Saturday, writes David Brockett.

Former Bankie Joe Andrew grabbed the only goal of the game, delicately dinking Josh Lumsden after a defensive lapse in the first half.

Bankies boss Kieran McAnespie recalled Josh Lumsden, Andy Paterson, Jamie Darroch and Ryan Deas to the starting 11, while winger Josh Watt was available for the first time following suspension.

And it was the newly promoted visitors who started on the front foot, with Ryan Deas flashing a header wide after four minutes.

With a quarter of an hour played, the reigning champions took the lead following a defensive lapse.

Glens defender Kyle McAusland played a simple ball over the top, with Jamie Darroch misjudging his header – allowing Andrew through on goal. The experienced striker delicately looped the ball over the onrushing Bankies stopper Lumsden to break the deadlock.

Bankies recovered well from losing the early goal and had countless opportunities to level at Loch Park.

First, Shelvey turned defender Craig Menzies well before firing a shot straight at Brian McGarrity.

Then came the chance of the game. Phil Johnston released Shelvey through on goal but the striker – who has three goals already this season – was thwarted by the legs of McGarrity.

There was almost a debut goal for Watt as the first half drew to a close, but his left footed effort rattled the crossbar as Bankies trailed at the break.

Just after the restart, Clydebank and Shelvey squandered yet another chance to equalise. Strong work in midfield from Johnny Allan saw the ball fed to Shelvey, with the striker forcing another save from McGarrity.

Clydebank continued to be on the front foot, with Ryan Deas next to try his luck – making room at the edge of the area before firing his effort at goal – with McGarrity on hand to collect once again.

Glens did threaten in the second period and had the chance to double their advantage midway through the half, but Bankies managed to clear the danger after a stramash inside the area.

Substitutes Ciaran Lafferty and Chris Black both had opportunities to level in the closing stages but it wasn’t to be for McAnespie’s men as they fell to their first defeat in 11 matches.

Bankies next league tie is at home to Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday, kick-off is at 2pm. They then host Beith Juniors at Holm Park on September 2, before travelling to Beechwood Park to face Auchinleck Talbot.