Late penalty sinks Port

Published 27 Jan 2010 13:00 0 Comments

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Clydebank 2 Port Glasgow 1

Captain cool Gary Lynn blasted Bankies into the last 16 of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup with a stoppage-time spot kick.

With the sides deadlocked on a goal apiece, it looked like Budgie McGhie's men would be on replay duty at bogey ground Ravenscraig Stadium.

But a senseless challenge on Clydebank midfield dynamo Nicky Cairney inside the box saw the referee award a penalty kick.

Up stepped skipper Lynn to drill the ball past the Port's impressive keeper Sean Graham to clinch the tie a full three minutes into time added on.

The home side showed their fighting spirit to come from behind against the determined Central League outfit.

Kevin Struthers opened the scoring just after the break when he pounced on a slip by the otherwise impeccable Martin McInnes before rounding Robert Tiropoulos and rolling the ball into the net.

Transfer-listed keeper Tiro only found out an hour before the match that he was in the starting line-up after it became apparent that Stefan Gonet had failed to recover from a staved finger.

The big keeper turned in a fine display and showed why no-one at the club wants to see him leave.

Clydebank levelled the tie through Stevie Dallas, who showed in this display why he is such a fans' favourite.

His workrate and commitment were inspirational and his sensational finish, after a perfectly-weighted Cairney pass created the opening, is already a contender for goal of the season.

Bankies should have gone on and killed the tie, but both Brian Smith - again outstanding - and Alan Vezza were among those who could have done more with good opportunities.

McGhie introduced 11th-hour signing Chris Mackie to partner Dallas for the last 20 minutes.

The big striker, who so memorably scored at Rugby Park in last season's final, returned to the club from Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 24 hours before the match.

Mackie didn't get on the scoresheet but did enough to impress the fans who welcomed him back with warm applause.

Clydebank now turn their attention to league business and the tasty trip to Cumnock on Saturday.

It is a huge match against opponents who humbled the Bankies 3-1 at Holm Park in September.

The Clydebank Supporters Club bus for Cumnock will leave Hardgate Cross at 11.45am calling at the Atlantis at 12 noon and Holm Park at 12.15pm. Seats at £5 and £3 for members and £7 for non-members can be booked by phoning Fred on 0789 041 0606.

This article appeared in Clydebank Post 27 Jan 10

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