Goals from Johnny Allan, Jamie Campbell and Ross Harvie made the difference in a hard-fought match.

United’s Hermand Park was battered by rain in the days leading up to the tie but an early morning inspection passed the pitch playable.

Liam Campbell saved Bankies early on with a good block after slack defensive play exposed the away keeper.

But Campbell would go on to have a comfortable afternoon as the back four — well marshalled by makeshift sweeper Tommy Martin — kept the home side at bay.

One of the main reasons the visitors looked so secure, though, was the pairing of combative duo Allan and Phil Barclay in the heart of a four-man midfield.

Both players dominated the match, snapping into tackles and using the ball well.

And Allan lit up the tie with the opening goal which was a peach of a strike from the corner of the box during a period when Clydebank were well on top.

Barclay almost added a second soon after with a fierce 20-yard drive that fizzed inches over the bar.

Bankies were well on top but West Calder have had some notable results in regional cup competitions this season and showed why.

In the 10 minutes or so before the break, the West Lothian outfit upped the pace and began asking questions of their opponents.

Although they rarely troubled Campbell’s goal, Clydebank’s lead was too narrow for the away side to be comfortable.

Budgie McGhie’s men emerged from the dressing room with renewed vigour for the second half.

Although West Calder were dangerous on the break, any sustained pressure came at the home end.

But Bankies weren’t making enough of the long periods of possession and when the second goal came it was a gift.

West Calder keeper Gavin McQuillan booted the ball straight to Campbell who skipped past one defender before drilling home his side’s second goal of the game.

Campbell’s clinical strike settled the tie and there was no way back when United’s Ross Fox was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Harvie added a third in the closing stages when he rose to head home a Graeme Ramage free-kick past McQuillan.

Bankies had to roll up their sleeves and grind out the win but they did it with a bit of style.

Their efforts were well-received by the travelling fans who warmly applauded the players from the pitch.

Clydebank return to league action on Saturday when big-spending Hurlford visit Holm Park. Kick off 2pm.