Clyde v Dundee

Recap

Maybe this game was won and lost in the first 5 minutes but class eventually told and Clyde ended up on the wrong side of an embarrassing scoreline. A 2-5 defeat at home is possibly just acceptable for a part-time team – not one supposedly chasing entry to the SPL. Poor passing in midfield and out of defence was our downfall as Dundee’s foreign legion, especially Ravanelli, took full advantage.

Clyde probably had their first choice 11 on the park with McLaughlin on from the start and Potter on the bench. Gibson was given an attacking midfield role with Keogh and McConalogue up front. Despite Dundee’s claim to be understrength any team outside the Old Firm would love to have a front line of Cabalerro, Sara and Novo.

Dundee nearly scored within a minute cutting Clyde open and Cabalerro shooting just wide form a great position. Clyde responded in kind except Keogh found the net. A good run and cross from Ross found the head of Keogh and he steered his header over the keeper and into the net. What seemed like a great chance to dent Dundee’s confidence was quickly thrown away. In trying to retain possession Clyde passed the ball back and sideways until Kernaghan gave the ball away. Dundee pounced and despite a brave effort by Mensing on the line, Novo eventually scored. Both teams then began to demonstrate they were better going forward than defending. Clyde’s midfield produced some flowing movement while the pace and skill of Dundee’s forwards always posed a threat. For Clyde Fraser drove into the box but saw his shot saved and a good run by Gibson was wasted by a poor finish. Hagen also came close with a powerful shot. At the other end Novo was thwarted by Halliwell as Dundee seemed to open Clyde up all too easily at times.

Only 3 minutes into the second half Gibson was replaced by Gilhaney. This meant Clyde had to reshuffle and Dundee began to strangle the midfield as the passing became increasingly ragged. Dundee were intent on using Novo to get in behind Clyde and it only looked a matter of time before they would succeed. Clyde were further hampered by Ross being replaced by Marshall. Clyde held out for an hour until Dundee took the lead through the unlikely source of Lee Wilkie. The giant centre-back strode forward towards Clyde’s box and played a one-two only to find himself completely free in the box and able to blast a shot past Halliwell. Why nobody was running with him or read his intention is a mystery. Dundee relaxed upon taking the lead and introduced class in the form of Ravanelli. Those of us who thought he was past it were given a rude awakening. Clyde were playing man-for-man at the back by this stage and Ravanelli ghosted in at the far post to meet a Novo centre and score. Worse was to follow minutes later as Clyde again gifted possession to Dundee. This time Sara made inroads into the box before shooting. Halliwell managed to get a hand to the ball but it ran straight to the feet of Ravanelli who easily claimed his second. Although beaten Clyde played for pride and Harty replaced the industrious McConalogue. Good interplay by Marshall down the right allowed Gilhaney to meet a cross and flick the ball over the keeper to score. Sadly it barely took Dundee seconds to reply. Clyde once again lost the ball in midfield very easily and one pass later Ravanelli was in the box and slotting his third goal past Halliwell. In the closing minutes McLaughlin saw his header shave the bar while Ravanelli saw his angled volley hit the post. In the end it was a very depressing night for Clyde.

If Clyde are serious about challenging to make the step up then this scoreline was a major wake-up call. Clyde simply couldn’t pass the ball well enough and retain possession to trouble an average SPL team. Far too many weak passes or dreadful first-time passes with poor crosses ruined otherwise great endeavour. In the end class told in the shape of Mr Ravanelli.

STAR RATINGS (*****)

Halliwell **** Fine stops and little chance with any of the goals.
Mensing *** Some great tackles during a very tough shift but passing was patchy.
McLaughlin **** Competed well against some quality forwards and seems back to form.
Kernaghan *** Sold the first goal but gathered himself after a shaky spell.
Fraser ** Great endevour ruined by awful passing.
Ross **** Looked onto his game until substituted.
Hagen ** Should do the simple thing and gave away a heap of possession.
Millen ** Can’t fault workrate but passing was abysmal at times.
Keogh *** Good goal and showed well for the entire game.
Gibson *** Impressive work from the midfielder until injured.
McConalogue *** Collected the ball well but hardly had a pot at goal.

Gilhaney ** Scored but looked like a boy against men.
Marshall ** Maybe not a wing-back but crossing was awful.
Harty * Hardly saw action in his brief spell.

REACTION

ALAN KERNAGHAN – "We could have been one down after 10 seconds, then we were one up after a minute and two minutes later I’ve shot us in the foot. Towards the end three individual errors and an International striker have cost us.

"He had three great finishes and I’ve sad to the players that tonight hasn’t been worthless provided we can take something out of that. Even just his movement for his first goal was great. If we can put that into our heads and act on it when we get the chance then tonight will have been worthwhile.

"I was pleased with how we played in a lot of ways, especially in the first half. It should have given us some confidence. We were always taking a chance going 3 on 3 at the back but we felt that we had to go and win the game.

"I know that we can compete against that standard but you get punished for your mistakes against that type of quality.

"I’m fortunate enough to have a signed ball myself so I was happy to sign his so it can go with his other 200!"

JIM DUFFY – "I’m very pleased with Ravanelli’s contribution. He’s still searching for his fitness but what we do know is that he gets into the right areas in the box. He managed to find his touch tonight at the right time.

"The first half was very difficult for us and we knew it would be. All credit to Clyde they brought the game to us and took a risk going 3 on 3 at the back. We changed one or two things at half-time and I think we were a lot better in the second. Even then Clyde were always dangerous on the break.

"The scoreline was maybe a bit harsh but we created a lot of chances. It was a very tough match and we’re just delighted to be in the next round."

FABRIZIO RAVANELLI – "Football is very strange sometimes. I once score 5 goals in one UEFA Cup match in Italy – every time I touched the ball I scored and it was the same tonight.

"I was surprised at how quickly my goals came. When I was sitting on the bench watching the game I saw that Clyde were a good team that tried to play football and it was difficult.

"I got the ball signed by the Clyde squad so I can give it to my children because I haven’t seen them for 21 days which is difficult.

"Every team in Scottish football tries to play football, which has surprised me. I’ve played in the English First Division and many teams played long ball football but I’ve seen three teams – Partick, Dundee United and Clyde – and they all tried to play football."