Clyde v Ross County

Recap

Clyde finally registered their first win of 2009, but few would have expected it to be so comfortable against the team who had perhaps impressed the most on their two previous visits this season. Unfortunately Trouten missed out due to Flu but new signing Tade replaced him.

With Tade making a good impression early on, the midfield anchors of Wilson and Kettlewell were able to use the ball better than previously and were ably supported down the flanks by Lowing and Waddell, then Clyde were always on the front foot.

Although early days, Tade’s ability to run beyond the strikers, reminiscent of Bryson, appeared to give the team a much stronger balance and the only thing that was missing was the front two clicking.

Tade hit the bar, although offside, and Clarke clipped the ball just wide after nipping in just in front of County ‘keeper Soutar.

County’s Scott found himself lucky not to escape with a booking for a hard challenge on Waddell, and then Kettlewell could count himself unlucky to be booked for his first foul.

Despite dominating possession, chances were few and far between, and it would have been typical Clyde to present their visitors with a gift just before half-time, when a corner came their way on one of the few times they managed to get into Clyde’s final third.

The corner was poor and cleared towards the halfway line, where only McLaren and Golabek were present. McLaren, who had looked out of touch the preceding 43 minutes, drew Golabek in, then headed past him and sprinted clear. When Soutar came to narrow the angle, McLaren notched his second goal in as many games by slotting the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs to give Clyde a more than deserved lead.

A good first half performance, but too often Clyde have only played for one half and surely the manager re-enforced that.

It seemed to be the case as County again presented little to no danger and Clyde pressed on.

McLaren, now clearly buoyed by his goal, was starting to make things happen and was linking very well down the left flank with Waddell.

It was Waddell who presented Clyde’s next chance when he expertly picked out the run of Clarke, who’s first time volley seemed to roll down his shin before going wide.

Tade was booked for a hard challenge on Keddie. The substitute’s reaction and high pitch squeal that could be heard in Condorrat perhaps meant a card was going to be issued, when again there didn’t appear to be much in the challenge other than a desire to win the ball after some good link-up play with Lowing and McLaren.

McLaren turned provider on 66 minutes and effectively seal the points for the home team. After finding himself free in the box, in a similar position to where he scored at Livingston, he elected to shoot near post, but Soutar was up to the task and blocked his shot. Fortunately for Clyde the ball came straight back to McLaren who picked out Waddell at the back post for a simple tap in.

County’s Scott was again very fortunate when he appeared to deliberately handball in an arial challenge, but escaped punishment.

McKay replaced Tade on 75 minutes and the big Frenchman deserved the warm ovation, with plenty of encouragement.

McKay was immediately involved when he got booked for having the ball blasted off him by Golabek.

Waddell was to suffer a similar fate as Clyde’s poor disciplinary record continued, albeit possibly down to some poor sportsmanship from their desperate opponents.

Just before full-time, Clyde should have painted a more accurate depiction of the game when McLaren superbly picked out McKay after some good lay off work by sub O’Reilly. Div did the hard part very well, bringing the ball down, cutting inside to his favoured foot, but then blasted over from 10 yards.

At full-time, the Clyde fans knew they had seen a very good performance against a team they must have felt nervous about facing beforehand.

There were no failures. McLaren was quiet in the first half, but made things happen. Clarke perhaps didn’t look as dangerous but worked his socks off for the team. Waddell had his best game at wing back and, as mentioned before, Tade certainly brought something positive to the team and the formation.

Standouts were Wilson and Kettlewell, who never allowed County to produce anything positive, allowing the creative players in the home team to flourish.