Published: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 1:00pm

Bankies' second half collapse

Clydebank 3

Girvan 3

BANKIES blew a three-goal lead in a nightmare last 10 minutes against never-say-die Girvan.

The late collapse left Budgie McGhie's men shell-shocked and dealt a blow to their promotion hopes.

A draw under normal circumstances would not have been such a bad result, but the surrender of two points in such a fashion made it feel like a defeat.

It all started so well for the home team when Stevie Dallas pounced on Girvan keeper Stuart Leavy's spill from a Mark Hailstones shot.

The strike duo of Dallas and Hailstones never gave the Girvan defence a moment's peace and after 16 minutes they conspired to double the lead.

Dallas collected a throw-in and found winger Brian Smith who then delivered a perfect back-post cross for Hailstones to head past Leavy.

It was a peach of a goal and the highlight of a hugely impressive first half performance from Clydebank.

Girvan, though, were also impressive going forward, especially Michael Moffat who is surely one of the best attacking players in the league.

The midfielder served notice of what was to come when he created a great opening for George Wallace, who somehow missed the target from a couple of yards out.

Immediately after the break, Bankies added a third when Dallas pounced on a defensive error.

Leavy picked up a bad knock in trying to stop the Clydebank number nine and had to be stretchered off, to be replaced by out-field player Stuart Cunningham.

The setback seemed to galvanise the visitors and stop the home side in their tracks.

Smith, who had been carrying a rib injury, was replaced by Chris Mackie who joined Dallas in attack, with Hailstones dropping to wide right.

McGhie then replaced Dallas with midfielder Scott Marshall to help stifle Girvan who were dominant.

For almost the whole second half Bankies were on the back foot and did nothing going forward.

Girvan could have made the breakthrough earlier, but Moffat had a sound penalty claim rejected and Hailstones headed clear from the line.

However, on 82 minutes Stevie O'Donnell pulled one back with a header from a corner to give the visitors hope. It was the least they deserved and more soon followed.

In the last minute of normal time, Moffat notched the goal he deserved, drilling a fine shot high past Stefan Gonet. It was all square two minutes into stoppage time when Danny Cunningham popped up at the back post to complete a remarkable comeback.

No one at Holm Park could deny Girvan deserved their point, but the Clydebank contingent, on the terraces and in the dressing room, were left stunned.

On Saturday the Bankies take on Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Junior Cup fifth round, in a repeat of last year's final.

The supporters' buses leave Hardgate Cross at 11.45am, call at The Atlantis at noon and Holm Park at 12.15pm. Seats are just £5 and can booked by calling Fred McCosh on 0789 041 0606.