Clyde v Stranraer

Recap

The Bully Wee kicked off the 2021-22 season and their Premier Sports Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Stranraer at Broadwood this evening.

Danny Lennon started five of his summer signings, with another five new faces coming off the bench.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors early on, when Josh Walker curled an effort just over the bar.

Clyde took the lead in the 24th minute after the referee pointed to the spot, deeming David Goodwillie to be clipped when trying to get a shot away. The Clyde captain made no mistake, emphatically blasting the ball high into the centre of the goal.

The Blues had a great chance to level the game when Joe Moore found himself one-on-one with David Mitchell, but the Clyde ‘keeper made an excellent block to turn the ball behind for a corner.

The Bully Wee had another shout for a penalty when Billy Mortimer appeared to be barged in the back, but it was turned down by Gavin Duncan.

Craig Ross had a free header from a corner after losing his marker but powered his header down and over the bar, whilst at the other end Barry Cuddihy played in Goodwillie who sent a shot narrowly wide.

The first-half ended with Stranraer manager Jamie Hamill receiving two bookings within a matter of seconds and being sent from the technical area.

Stranraer had the better of the second half without creating too many clear cut chances, though they did hit the side netting after Moore’s effort from distance took a deflection.

Clyde had opportunities of their own, with Goodwillie and Kieran McGrath both showing good skill to create space but their finishes were off target.

The Blues ramped up the pressure in the closing stages but The Bully Wee stood strong, and had Mortimer to thank for hooking a goalbound shot off the line in the last minute.