Clydebank manager Gordon Moffat believes it was all about grinding out a win on Saturday as his depleted squad picked up three points on the road at Bonnyton Thistle.

The Bankies returned to winning ways after last week’s dramatic draw against Darvel with a 4-1 victory thanks to a double from Hamish McKinlay as well strikes from Nicky Little and Joe Slattery.

Moff was missing several players through injury and Covid-related issues on Saturday and had to call upon three trialists to make up the squad – including himself and his goalkeeping coach.

The 38-year-old listed himself and Phil Bannister as trialists on the bench – and named former Pollok and Petershill keeper Stevie McNeil between the sticks after being unable to select no fewer than four goalkeepers.

The Bankies boss was a busy man during the week as he looked to bring in cover – and he has revealed the game was close to being called off due to the lack of numbers he had at his disposal.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “I thought we thoroughly deserved the win but I’m a wee bit disappointed we didn’t score more goals.

“We had control for large parts of the game, and there was long spells where we played the game in their half, but they were always dangerous on the counter.

“After the goal at the start of the second-half you’re thinking you’ll hopefully go on and score a few more, but I don’t know if it was a subconscious thing that the guys maybe eased off a little and it let them back into the game.

“We had a couple of guys away, a few with injuries, and then some with Covid related stuff – at one point we were looking at the game potentially being cancelled if we got a few more positive tests.

“It was a really challenging week not knowing if the game would go ahead and then the situation with both the first-team goalkeepers being out, the 20s’ number two was out as well and then we even looked at the 17s’ goalkeeper who was unavailable as well.

“Thursday and Friday was a bit of a scramble to get someone in so luckily we managed it in the end.”

Hot on the heels of a 19th match without defeat, Sunday was another historic day for the club as they were in the draw for the first round of the Scottish Cup.

After receiving a bye in the preliminary round, Bankies will take on either Burntisland Shipyard or Dalkeith Thistle at Holm Park on September 18 – the club’s first tie in the nation’s senior knockout tournament for nearly 20 years.

Moff was glad to be given a home tie and is looking forward to the historic occasion.

He added: “A home tie is what you’re after. It’ll be a tough game but the main thing is being at home and hopefully we can get a good crowd through the doors.

“It’s a wee bit of history and there was a lot of excitement around the club at the weekend. I’m delighted for the board and the fans who have got us back to this position.”

Yoker Athletic, meanwhile, continued their recent upturn in form with an impressive home win over promotion-chasing Neilston on Saturday.

After losing their first six games of the season, the Whe Ho are now unbeaten in four, with Declan Walsh’s late goal against The Farmer’s Boys securing a first home league win of the season and moving the team up to 12th in the Conference C standings.

Saturday’s win for Yoker allowed Drumchapel United to stretch their advantage at the top of Conference C to five points courtesy of a 4-2 win over Vale of Clyde at the Donald Dewar Centre.

Clydebank return to Holm Park on Saturday where fourth-placed Pollok are the visitors in what is certain to be a stiff test of Moffat’s team and its credentials. Kick-off at Holm Park is at 2pm.

Yoker are the idle team in Conference C this weekend, while Drumchapel head for East Renfrewshire and a top-of-the-table clash in Conference C against a Neilston side who will be keen to bounce back after last week’s loss to Yoker.

Kick-off at Brig o’ Lea Stadium is at 2pm.