A goal in either half from Andy Cross and Chris Walker secured all three points for Shotts and means Bankies remain bottom, two points adrift of Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Bankies boss Budgie McGhie named an unchanged starting 11 for the third consecutive game, and recent signing Scott Davidson could’ve put the visitors in front after just four minutes.

Patient build up play from Bankies’ front two saw Carcary hurdle a crunching challenge, before slipping the ball to Davidson whose shot looked destined for the top corner, but Gary Whyte somehow got a fingertip to push the ball onto the post and away to safety.

Jordan Shelvey, playing on the left wing in a 4-4-1-1 formation, tried his luck from range shortly after as Bankies looked to take control of the opening exchanges.

Ross Brash had a sweetly struck free kick palmed to safety by Robert Hamilton and Scott Walker, in his new holding midfield role, made a fantastic last ditch challenge to prevent Shotts taking an early lead.

Clydebank maintained the pressure and were unlucky not to go ahead following a swift counter attack. A fantastic diagonal pass from Phil Barclay found Carcary wide on the left, but his cross evaded Davidson who was lurking at the back post.

The deadlock was broken — against the run of play — with nine minutes of the first half remaining. A Graham Mort clearance on the edge of the area broke to Andy Cross and his half volley flew across Hamilton to give the hosts the advantage.

Just four minutes after the restart, Shotts doubled their lead and effectively secured all three points. Shotts top scorer Chris Walker towered above Barclay to head Garry McStay’s cross home, giving Hamilton no chance.

A despondent Bankies struggled to regroup from going two behindd, with only Davidson threatening the Shotts goal, but another flying save from Whyte stopped him grabbing his fourth goal in three games.

Sean Stewart replaced Jordan Shelvey and Ian Gold made way for Stevie Gardiner as Bankies looked to find a way back into the match. Gardiner’s pace was an immediate threat, with Garry Campbell receiving a caution for hauling back the winger.

Kyle Cummings for Carcary was Clydebank’s last roll of the dice, but it was to be of no avail as they slumped to their fifth away defeat of the season.

Only Andy Paterson’s goal line clearance prevented Shotts from extending their lead, expertly clearing David Crawford’s effort as the full time whistle sounded.