Clyde v Queen of the South

After a draw last weekend it was business as usual for the Bully Wee as they notched up another victory with an efficient if unspectacular display. The Doonhamers had built their season so far upon good away form but once Clyde took the lead the result seemed only to be going one way.

With injury and suspension ruling out key players in Arbuckle, Malone and Wilson Clyde again had to mix and match and fill the bench with teenagers. With Balmer fully fit again, the obvious temptation was to keep a back four with him in the middle, but instead the experienced player/coach sat on the bench and Clyde opted for a back four of Mensing, Bollan and Potter. Gilhaney was drafted into an unaccustomed left wing-back role but applied himself very well.

The opening few minutes saw Queens monopolise possession but with little threat and it only took Clyde nine minutes to open the scoring. As Bryson battled for possession in the box the ball flew wide to Harty and he drilled the ball home from an acute angle.

Queens again had plenty of possession and were indeed lucky to see McNiven fluff an excellent chance from the edge of the box. As if trying to make up for his mistake, McNiven later fired in a snapshot that tested Halliwell at his near post.

Clyde were playing the percentages and sure enough a second goal arrived just before half time. Again Bryson was battling for possession in the box and bearing towards goal. The referee decided he was impeded and gave a penalty. Harty made an easy job of the kick.

Clyde opened the second period very brightly and a sweet move saw Gibson flashing a header just wide of the post. However Clyde sat on their lead and were more intent on stifling Queens rather than going for glory themselves. Much as the effort of Queens was admirable, they didn’t provide Halliwell with much to do.

Another good Clyde move saw Bryson in the box again but this time he blasted the ball over when a goal should have resulted. Clyde decided to use the bench with Conway and Bradley replacing Wiflord and Walker. Bradley especially showed how keen he was to impress with some fine tackles and chasing. The game fizzled out and McKeever also had a run out for a couple of minutes to boost his experience.

Overall this was as comfortable a win as could have been hoped for. Although Clyde rarely sparkled in attack, the rest of the team excelled in shutting down Queens and once again Halliwell could boast a clean sheet. On this showing the depth of squad may be stronger than we think.

 

Clyde Star Ratings (*****)
Halliwell **** Couple of good stops and full of confidence.
Mensing **** Odd stray pass but otherwise very solid.
Bollan **** Using his experience to good effect.
Walker **** Energetic shift from box to box.
Potter ***** On top of his game.
Sheridan ***** Always has time and makes it look simple.
Bryson ***** Tenacity created both goals and always looking to get into the box.
Gibson **** Approaching his best once again.
Wilford *** More effort from the big man but still needing a confidence boost.
Gilhaney **** Fine game showing unexpected defensive steel.
Harty ***** Loads of effort and two more goals.

Conway ** Struggled to make an impression.
Bradley *** Brave and committed.
McKeever * No time to show anything.