Bankies' sweet Talbot revenge

Published 17 Feb 2010 15:00 0 Comments

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Auchinleck Talbot... 0

Clydebank... 1

BRILLIANT Bankies dumped holders Auchinleck Talbot out of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup and booked their place in the quarter finals of the famous old competition.

Manager Budgie McGhie's depleted squad - missing no fewer than six players - turned in a heroic performance that left the tournament favourites stunned.

The match was a re-run of last season's final in which Talbot ran out 2-1 winners, but thankfully there was a different result this time.

An early goal from Stevie Dallas was all that separated the sides in an engrossing encounter that only just survived a late pitch inspection.

A section of the Beechwood Park playing surface was still frozen solid from the previous night's frost despite the best efforts of the Talbot groundstaff.

But the referee declared game on to the relief of some of the 300 travelling Clydebank supporters who were already in the ground.

Dallas's goal, with the aid of a deflection after a pinpoint John Harvey corner, gave McGhie's spirited team something to hang on to.

The manager had switched his tactics to cope with forced changes and the threat from the normally free-scoring Talbot.

A back three of Gary Lynn, Sinky Soutar and Ross Campbell was the bedrock of a win that some consider to be the club's best ever in the juniors.

And any time the back line was breached, Stefan Gonet was there between the sticks to keep the home side at bay.

The Clydebank keeper did well to keep Sean McIllroy from levelling the tie with a great block after the striker shrugged off a challenge from Soutar.

Chris Mackie, the scorer of Bankies' goal in last season's final, could have doubled the lead just before the break but headed over after another Harvey delivery created an opening.

Talbot stepped up the pace in the second half and created a clutch of chances they couldn't convert.

The pick of them was missed by David Gillies, who had a shot blocked by Campbell before smashing the rebound off the post.

Mackie had a decent chance to give the visitors a bit of breathing space but his attempt to chip Adam Strain drifted wide.

But as the match went on you began to think it was going to be Clydebank's day.

Every player gave their all, winning tackles and headers and running themselves into the ground - and in the end they got their reward.

Scenes of delight unfolded on the final whistle as Bankies supporters, players and officials celebrated a famous victory.

Clydebank have now reached the quarter finals of the Scottish Junior Cup on four out of the last five seasons and still never lost and away match in the tournament.

The Junior game's top competition has given the club some great memories and after last Saturday's exploits there could be a few more special times on the way.

It's back to league business on Saturday when Clydebank look to continue their fine form - unbeaten in nine matches - away to Kilsyth Rangers.

The Clydebank Supporters Club bus to Kilsyth leaves Holm Park at 12.30pm, calling at The Atlantis at 12.40 and Hardgate Cross at 12.50.

To book seats call Fred McCosh on 0789 041 0606.

This article appeared in Clydebank Post 17 Feb 10

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