Published: Wednesday, 21st July, 2010 2:00pm
Bankies' Nock out blows
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EmailCumnock...... 1
Clydebank.... 2
Clydebank.... 7
Ardeer Thistle.... 0
A YOUNG Bankies side swept aside Ayrshire outfit Ardeer Thistle in a one-sided encounter at Kelvinside on Monday night.
HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Stevie Dymock nods home the winner against Cumnock
It was the second match of the club's pre-season schedule and followed a comfortable win away to Cumnock on Saturday.
Nikky Cairney opened the scoring against Ardeer with a fine early strike and new signing Ross MacPherson, Scott Highland and Mark Kirkpatrick made it four before half an hour was gone.
It could have been more in a first half when Ardeer rarely threatened Stefan Gonet's goal.
Clydebank gaffer Budgie McGhie used nine subs after the break, including Mark Hailstones who fired home a two-goal salvo. Gavin MacQueen completed the rout with a well-placed right foot shoot after good work from Tommy Martin wide on the right.
Keeper Gonet had little to do at the other end, even when Bankies went down to nine men late in the match due to David Green and Hailstones picking up knocks.
It was a tighter affair at Townhead Park when Clydebank faced newly-promoted Cumnock last Saturday.
MacPherson, nicknamed Archie, opened the scoring with a low shot before Stevie Dymock headed home a Gary Lynn corner.
Youngster MacPherson, who joined from Knightswood Juveniles, had an impressive debut and went on to hit the cross bar with two spectacular strikes.
Craig Fisher pulled one back for Nock but the difference between the sides was greater than a single goal.
The visitors knocked the ball about well in what was a great work-out for McGhie's men against decent opposition.
McGhie is delighted with his side's early pre-season form and heaped praise on new recruit MacPherson.
Bankies fought off competition from other clubs to snap up the former Knightswood Under-21 striker last week.
McPherson joins former team mates Tommy Martin and Davie Green, and he was an outstanding performer in both of Bankies' friendly games.
McGhie said: "Obviously we don't win any prizes for winning pre-season friendlies but there were a lot of encouraging signs. Ross MacPherson scored and hit the bar twice so if he keeps up that level of performance he will do very well for us.
"There was a lot of young players in the side who were playing their first game in Junior football and we also have a sprinkling of experience as well.
"There is a theory that you won't be able to achieve anything with young players in Junior football but there were encouraging signs on Saturday.
"The experienced players like Gary Lynn and Stevie Dallas were very complimentary about how the young players performed after the game."
The Bankies now look forward to a visit from Arthurlie, who travel to Holm Park on Saturday.
Clydebank will wear their new second strip for the match against the Barrhead Premier League team.
The purple Nike kit will also be on sale in the club shop and Bankies fans should note that season ticket holders for the coming season will be admitted free for this match, which kicks off at 2pm. Admission is £3 and £1.
