Clyde v Falkirk

Sometimes it just clicks and this was one of those occasions. Clyde were starting with three centre-backs, a thirty-five year old forward in his second game and a debut midfielder lacking in competitive games yet the game was won with ease.

There may have been some early afternoon sunshine but right on cue the rain and hail moved in to complement the strong wind as the game began. Obviously silky football was not on the menu.

Falkirk dominated possession in the early stages and at every opportunity looked to get James and Campbell into the Clyde box to cause havoc, as in the recent league encounter set plays had reaped rewards for them. Halliwell was in no mood to be beaten though and showed some very secure handling in very tricky conditions.

Clyde’s first real chance took about fifteen minutes to appear, when Jones just missed out on Harty’s cross in front of goal. Wilson also saw his header well covered by Ferguson in the Falkirk goal.

Another corner saw Balmer head over from close range too. On this evidence it looked as if both teams were hoping the set play would win the day but after thirty-five minutes Harty thought otherwise. The Falkirk defence backed off him as he collected the ball outside of the box and let fly with a shot. The initial strike was probably on target but a deflection left the keeper with no chance.

Clyde almost made it two a few minutes later when the ball fell to Balmer with time and space but his fierce shot cannoned off the inside of the post and away to safety.

Clyde began the second period with a strong run by Burns and at that stage it looked like anybody’s game as Falkirk pressed for the equaliser. Halliwell pulled off a fantastic double save at his near post to deny Falkirk and spur Clyde on.

In the sixty-eighth minue, a free kick was awarded to Clyde fully half way between the goal and the centre line. There may have been a wind at his tail but nobody expected Bollan to go for goal – especially Ferguson in the Falkirk goal. The powerful shot may have swerved but Ferguson was left looking a little embarrassed as the ball flew past him.

The Bully Wee didn’t look back from that point and tormented Falkirk on the break. Four minutes after the Bollan blockbuster, Malone brought the ball out from defence and Sheridan sent Mensing down the left. He powered past the defence into the box and then unselfishly squared to Harty to tap the ball home.

Further powerful strikes from Burns and Mensing just missed and Harty fluffed a great chance from the edge of the box with only the keeper to beat.

Considering that this was an untested team and formation the result was fantastic. Mensing revelled in closing down the midfield and then began to express himself in a positive fashion. Burns looks a class act and how Billy got his hands on him we’ll probably never know. Jones at last provides a strong and experienced foil for Harty. Halliwell and his defence were just their usual mean selves. On this performance Clyde fans can look forward with even more optimism.

 

Clyde Star Ratings (*****)
Halliwell ***** Another fine performance.
Mensing ***** Power allied to some skill as well – man of the match for most.
Bollan **** Very steady game and a great shot.
Balmer ***** Best game in a Clyde shirt so far.
Potter ***** They shall not pass.
Sheridan **** Revelled in the conditions and used his head.
Burns **** Fitted in very nicely and showed his class.
Wilson **** Usual combative shift from the young defender.
Jones **** Led the line without much sight of goal for himself.
Malone **** Energetic shift up and down the left.
Harty ***** Looked sharp all day and rewarded with two goals.

Gibson * Only had time to lose the ball before the final whistle blew.