Clyde v Dumbarton

Recap

A commanding performance saw Clyde secure their place in the post-season promotion play-offs this afternoon, courtesy of a two-goal victory over Dumbarton.

Darren Young was forced to make two changes to the team which defeated Edinburgh City in the capital last week, with Barry Cuddihy and Robbie Leitch – injured in the midweek Glasgow Cup tie – replaced by Kyle Fleming and Kyle Connell.

It was the latter who was at the heart of much of The Bully Wee’s good forward play in the opening period. The best it got for the visitors was five minutes in when former Clyde left-back Adam Livingstone struck a powerful wind-assisted effort from range, but it flew just wide of Jay Hogarth’s post.

It was all Clyde from that point on, with Scott Williamson getting the ball caught under his feet when played through on goal, before the striker teed up Marley Redfern for a curling effort which went close. Craig Howie also had a decent chance to test Aidan Rice from a Connell delivery, but the centre-back couldn’t make telling contact in the middle as the first half ended goalless.

The home side continued to monopolise possession and territory after the change of ends, but it was a pair of gifts which provided the platform for Clyde’s win. First, Mark Durnan misjudged a bounce and was caught under the ball, releasing Williamson in behind. The striker took a few touches to steady himself and faced up Rice before slotting the ball beyond the young Sons ‘keeper.

The second goal was even more calamitous from Dumbarton’s perspective. Alexander Smith was far too casual in playing a backwards pass and it was perfectly weighted for Williamson, who showed great anticipation to intercept and rounded Rice before tapping home for his second of the day.

The Bully Wee saw the game out comfortably from there and could’ve added gloss to the scoreline, although the visitors did have a great chance to pull one back inside the final ten minutes. Top scorer Leighton McIntosh looked certain to knock home Livingstone’s teasing ball across the face of goal, but could only divert the ball wide on the stretch.

There was a celebratory mood in the stands late on and at full time, not least when Liam Scullion was brought on for his first action in front of the Clyde faithful since the opening league game of the season against the same opposition.