Clyde v Cove Rangers

Recap

 The Bully Wee got back to winning ways with a fine 2-1 victory over Cove Rangers at Broadwood this afternoon, thanks to a first half double from David Goodwillie.

With David Mitchell and Neil Parry both missing, Joshua Bradley-Hurst made his cinch League 1 debut in goals, and there were two further changes from last Saturday’s match at Falkirk, with Adam Livingstone and Conrad Balatoni replacing Billy Mortimer and Barry Cuddihy. The return of Balatoni also saw a change of formation, with Danny Lennon opting for three central defenders at the back.

Cove started the stronger and put Clyde under pressure in the opening minutes with a series of corners, with Ross Cunningham having to clear a header off the line.

It was The Bully Wee who opened the scoring in the eighth minute however, when Balatoni’s pass from deep split the visitors’ defence sent David Goodwillie racing through on goal. He made no mistake with a cool finish beyond Kyle Gourlay.

Clyde’s captain then had another chance shortly after when he was picked out by Morgaro Gomis, but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Cunningham then came close but his low drive came back off the post, whilst at the other end Joshua Bradley-Hurst showed excellent reflexes to deny Mitch Megginson from putting Cove on level terms.

Just before the interval Goodwillie robbed Iain Vigurs of possession midway inside the Cove half and drove towards goal. His initial effort was well saved by Gourlay, but he was able to drill home the rebound to double Clyde’s advantage.

After the interval The Toonsers dictated most of the play and played a lot of balls into the Clyde box without seriously testing Bradley-Hurst.

They did get a way back into the game though with six minutes remaining when Grant Irvine pointed to the spot, deeming Scott Rumsby fouled a forward in the box. Rory McAllister despatched the spot kick.

Bradley-Hurst then made a vital save from Megginson’s shot when the Cove captain was through on goal.

A lengthy stoppage time period added to Clyde nerves with Scott Rumsby having to be substituted after picking up a head wound, and Matty Elsdon was show a red card deep into time added on for tugging back McAllister, but The Bully Wee held on for an important three points.