Clydebank kicked off the 2017/18 season with a narrow 2-1 win over Glasgow Perthshire in the Sectional League Cup last Wednesday, writes David Brockett.

Jamie Darroch opened the scoring with a header from a corner before Jordan Shelvey added a second from the penalty spot, with Perthshire hitting back in the second half.

Bankies boss Kieran McAnespie opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Andy Paterson and recent signing Chris Dooley operating as wing backs either side of a three man defence consisting of Jamie Darroch, Calum Gow and former Stirling Albion man Ross Forsyth, while Jordan Shelvey and Phil Johnston led a two pronged attack.

It was the Bankies who got off to a great start after just five minutes when Darroch met Ryan Deas’ corner with a front post run to thump home his and Clydebank’s first goal of the season.

Just before the break, Jordan Shelvey turned neatly in the box and was bundled to the ground, with referee Derek Crothers pointing to the spot. Shelvey dusted himself down and coolly converted the penalty, sending Perthshire goalkeeper Chris Calder the wrong way.

But Perthshire fought back and halved the deficit 10 minutes into the second period. A ball over the top caught out Dooley, with Perthshire’s Fraser Malcolm forcing a stop from Josh Lumsden, only for Craig Smith to slot home the resulting rebound.

Perthshire were to finish with 10 men for the fourth time in their last eight meetings with the Bankies, as Scott Forrester picking up two cautions in quick succession.

But the home side could and should have levelled things at Keppoch Park when Malcolm’s towering header drifted inches wide of Lumsden’s right hand post.

And in the dying seconds Perthshire had claims for a spot kick of their own waived away when Darroch tackled Smith inside the area but referee Crothers was unmoved as Bankies held on for an opening day win.

Bankies now face Maryhill tonight, kick off at Holm Park is 6:45pm.