Clyde v Annan Athletic

Recap

The Bully Wee’s fine start to the 2012-13 season continued this afternoon, with a hard-fought victory over Annan Athletic at Broadwood.

With Stef McCluskey and Iain Gray out injured, Jim Duffy was forced to make some changes to the team. Bryan Gilfillan returned to the starting line-up and he was joined by defender Craig Wedderburn, who featured as a trialist. Lee Sharp also replaced John Kane at left-back.

Unfortunately, due to some extreme traffic problems in Cumbernauld and the surrounding area, many people’s journey to Broadwood was affected and some eventually completely missed the match – which started at a delayed 3.15pm.

However, the fans that did make it were treated to a superb opening goal. Kevin Watt latched onto Gilfillan’s header in the box and put a lovely shot into the top corner of the net for his second goal in as many games.

The visitors were set up to frustrate Clyde in a tight 4-5-1 formation but John Neill came close to doubling the lead before half-time, when his glancing header from Stuart McColm’s cross just missed the far post.

After the break, The Galabankies pulled level when substitute Ally Love looped a clever shot over Jamie Barclay and into the net.

It only took a couple of minutes for The Bully Wee to take the lead again though. John Sweeney’s run resulted in a corner and Steve Masterton’s dangerous delivery could only be guided into the net by an Annan’s Scott Chaplain (pictured).

The closing period of the match saw Annan press men forward and play with a more direct approach towards Clyde’s penalty box, but a battling performance ensured that the three points would stay at Broadwood.