Uphill task to reach cup final

Published 14 Apr 2010 13:00 0 Comments

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Largs Thistle.... 1

Clydebank... 0

BANKIES have it all to play for in their bid for a second successive Scottish Junior Cup final appearance.

Largs Thistle will visit Holm Park on Saturday with a one-goal lead to defend and a potent goal threat from set-pieces.

But Budgie McGhie's men created enough good chances in sun-kissed Largs at the weekend to suggest they have more than enough firepower to turn the tie on its head.

The Clydebank manager set his side out to take the match to the Premier Division outfit from the start in front of a 1,200-strong crowd.

In the opening half-hour the plan worked a treat and all that was missing were the goals the performance deserved.

Stevie Dymock and Stevie Dallas came closest to scoring as an assured Bankies side took control.

At the other end Largs' main threat was posed by corners and long throw-ins from ex-Clydebank skipper Gordon Lappin.

Most of the questions asked of the visitors' defence were answered by confident defending, not just from the initial delivery but the second ball as well.

Until, that is, shortly before the break when Ross McMillan nodded home the only goal of the game from a corner.

It was a fine header from the impressive central defender who had earned Largs' semi-final place with a similar effort in the quarter-final against Irvine Meadow.

Bankies went on to create the better chances after the break as they pushed to get back on level terms.

Paul Allum created an opening for Chris Mackie but the striker's header drifted wide of the near post.

Allum then came close when he latched on to a Gary Lynn pass, only to see his first time lob sail over the bar.

Mackie then reacted quickly to a ball over the top but his well-hit shot was kept out by keeper Neil Greenwood, who did well to get down smartly to his left and turn the striker's effort wide.

Largs continued to threaten from set-pieces and McMillan came close again with a header.

Ryan Deas also used his trickery from a short corner to evade two Bankies defenders before drilling a dangerous ball across the face of Stefan Gonet's goal.

Clydebank gaffer McGhie knows his team will have to be at their best on Saturday if they are to turn the tie on its head.

He said: "It will really be all about what happens on the day.

"There's no doubt we are capable of going out and winning the tie but we have to be wary of what Largs can do.

"Everyone is looking forward to it and as long as the players give it their best shot I'll have no complaints."

Saturday's match kicks off at 2.30pm and the club is asking fans to get to Holm Park early as a huge crowd is anticipated.

This article appeared in Clydebank Post 14 Apr 10

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