Clyde v Norwich City

Recap

CLYDE LINE-UP: Halliwell, Mensing, McLaughlin, Smith, Paul Kane, Ross, Millen, Dunn, Keogh, Hinds, Hagen. SUBS: Gilhaney, Clark, Andy Kane, Potter, McIlroy, Baird, McClay

An early Pat Keogh strike secured a good victory for Clyde over a Norwich side who narrowly failed to make the Premiership last season. Jack Ross won possession in midfield before setting up Pat to coolly knock the ball home from 18 yards with only 5 minutes gone.

With David Dunn controlling the midfield Clyde looked the more likely to add another goal but some good goal keeping and some poor finishing meant that Pats goal was all that Clyde had to show for their efforts. Both Hinds and Dunn could have added to the one goal lead but hesitated too long and allowed the Norwich defence to clear the danger.

The second half continued in much the same vane with Norwich looking a little more urgent but some decent approach play went begging as their strikers also proved shot-shy. Mensing was having an outstanding game at the back and was dealing with anything the Norwich attack could throw at him.

All in all the result was a good one for a Clyde side who are unbeaten pre-season and who have a busy week next week with visits to Stranraer, Stenhousemuir and Middlesborough as well as a home game with English 3^rd division champions Plymouth Argyle.

After the match Alan Kernaghan was at pains to stress that the result did not mean a great deal. “It was only a friendly after all, but it was another clean sheet, and clean sheets help you win championships. I thought Davy Dunn did well playing in his natural position. It is the first time he has played there for a long time and he showed some nice touches. Simon Mensing played well too as did the young lads when they came on. We now have a few games next week starting with Stranraer on Saturday. After that we have Stenhusemuir, Middlesborough, and Plymouth. We will be using the squad to its fullest as we have not arranged many games for the under 18’s"

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington was impressed by how Clyde played. “They were hungrier and wanted the ball more. They passed the ball around well. All 11 Clyde players on the park impressed me”

Andy McLay was pleased to get a run out in the game as he seeks to build up his fitness. “It is all about getting match fit for me. I am not there yet, but after a few more games I hope to be. When the manager came in he told us that we would all be given a chance so it is a clean slate for us all. I am looking forward to the season and I think we have as good a chance as anyone to do well”