Bankies' form takes a nock

Published 14 Oct 2009 14:00

Clydebank 1 Cumnock 3

BANKIES were the architects of their own downfall as title favourites Cumnock left Holm Park with three goals and three points.

Defensive errors in the second half saw Budgie McGhie's injury-hit team slump to their second-successive home defeat.

But few would deny the Ayrshire outfit deserved the spoils, no matter how the goals came.

The Clydebank gaffer was dealt a double blow in the build-up to the eagerly anticipated clash when skipper Gary Lynn and longest-serving player Mark Hailstones were ruled out through injury.

Cumnock featured former Bankie Tom Currie in a strong line-up and the veteran defender opened the scoring on 30 minutes when he hooked the ball over his shoulder and into the net.

It was a soft goal to lose with the home defence passing up two opportunities to clear a corner before Currie's intervention.

Stevie Dallas almost levelled four minutes later when he wriggled past Currie in the box only to see his subsequent shot parried clear by Chris Fahey.

The next duel between striker and keeper was to end in the Clydebank man's favour.

Fahey, despite a warning from the referee seconds earlier, pushed Dallas to the ground as a John Harvey corner flew into the danger area.

The whistler awarded a penalty and booked Fahey, whose misery was compounded when Dallas put him the wrong way from the spot.

On the stroke of half time Ian Cashmore looked to have given the visitors the lead with a fine finish, but the referee awarded a free-kick for an infringement few had seen.

Five minutes after the break Paul Gordon restored Cumnock's lead when he robbed a hesitant Ross Campbell before lifting the ball over Stefan Gonet.

Paul Allum's well-hit free kick was touched over by Fahey as the Bankies pushed to get back on terms.

A series of chances at either end were spurned, but Cumnock generally looked the more dangerous side.

That said, at 2-1 Andy Selkirk brought another great block from Fahey with a first-time shot from a Brian Smith cut back.

At the other end Gonet pulled off a wonderful save from a Gareth Armstrong header that looked a goal all the way.

The outcome was finally decided in the closing minutes when Nicky Cairney was muscled off the ball by the impressive James Tyler.

The former Kilwinning speed merchant drove in on goal and drew Gonet, before squaring for Agnew, who easily netted.

A disappointed McGhie said: "It's the poorest we have played all season and the annoying thing is that Cumnock didn't need to work too hard for their win, as we more or less gifted it to them on a plate.

"We will be looking for a massive improvement this Saturday against Forth.

"Hopefully some of the players missing will be available next week but I don't want to make any excuses for this result."

Clydebank play Forth Wanderers on Saturday at Holm Park in the first round of the West of Scotland Cup, kick off 2pm.

The game will take place as part of Show Racism the Red Card day in football and the Clydebank Supporters' Trust is giving away free tickets to groups or teams of any size.

Anyone interested can contact David McAleer on 07984545320.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 14 Oct 09

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