Glenafton blown away by Bankies

Published 28 Oct 2009 14:00

Clydebank 2 Glenafton 1

BANKIES' whirlwind start to this cracking match blew their Ayrshire opponents away and put Budgie McGhie's men back into the promotion mix.

The Clydebank gaffer's squad was ravaged by injury but he used what he had to devastating effect to turn in their best performance of the season.

The only criticism that could be levelled against them was the margin of victory was not wide enough as even a four or five goal difference would not have been an unfair reflection of Clydebank's dominance.

The result leaves Clydebank four points off the top, with manager McGhie pleased with his players' ability to cope with the pressure to deliver an invaluable win.

He said: "It's a big three points for us, but what is also pleasing was the performance.

"We felt it was a must-win game, we created more chances than the scoreline suggests and the win makes sure we stay in the mix for promotion.

"Glenafton are a good team, they're a nice passing side and I still think they will be up there at the end of the season.

He added: "Any win can give you confidence and we can now go in and enjoy the game this Saturday a little bit.

"I'd like to think we could go on another cup run because it was very

special for all those connected with the club but it's a tie we have to be careful with.

"Haddington are no mugs. I think they might be in a false league position and if we turn up as a formality then we'll be in trouble."

Unmarked Alan Vezza headed home a John Harvey corner for the perfect start after just six minutes.

Two minutes later the impressive Stevie Dymock lashed the ball into the back of the net after a fumble by Afton keeper Ally Semple.

The former Beith striker went on to have a superb match, with an all-action performance in an unfamiliar attacking midfield role, just behind the duo of Stevie Dallas and Andy Selkirk.

Harvey came close to adding a third when his well-hit free kick that was brilliantly stopped by Semple as the first half came to an end.

Ten minutes after the break and Afton halved the deficit when David Clapperton turned home a corner but the Bankies brushed off the setback and created chance after chance for the remainder of the match.

Brian Smith was another star performer and he fired over the bar on the hour mark before setting up Dymock who also missed the target.

Nicky Cairney then came close with a diving header before Afton keeper Semple denied Steven Blair what would have been a contender for goal of the season.

The midfielder's first-time volley from Dymock's cross was as sweet a strike as you could hope to see, but the keeper was well-positioned to turn the ball over the bar.

The final whistle ended an excellent match that will gave the home fans great hope for the season ahead.

Meanwhile, McGhie could be looking to bring some new faces in this week as the injuries to Gary Lynn and John Jack, along with the transfer of Charlie Hobbs to Cambuslang, has left the Bankies gaffer short of depth.

McGhie confirmed he had been enquiring about players but has made no formal approaches as yet.

He said: "We will be looking to add to the squad but it might not be a direct replacement for Charlie.

"It has always been our strategy to continually improve the squad but

it has to be someone that's right for the team."

CLYDEBANK: Gonet, Campbell, Molloy, Vezza, McInnes, Harvey, Jack (Blair 34), Smith (Cairney 81), Dymock, Dallas, Selkirk (Allum 69). Subs: Tripoulos, Hailstones.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 28 Oct 09

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