Clyde v Stranraer

Recap

It was the coldest afternoon of the year but ended with the biggest cheer of the year as a Stevie Masterton goal broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute. The match had started fairly positively for the Bully Wee, their “hi tempo” style began to cause the visitor’s defence problems and in particular Stranraer’s defender Alex Keddie who was booked for persistent fouling.

McGowan and Brighton were the brightest stars along side Stephen O’Donnell as Clyde raided down the right flank and a variety of crosses put Stranraer under pressure. On another day Alex Williams might have been celebrating a hat trick but sadly for Clyde supporters it was a tale of what might have been as the goalmouth predator either just missed connecting with crosses or found keeper Barry John Corr in top form.

Clyde however struggled to maintain the momentum and faded towards the end of the half as Neil Watt’s side began to look comfortable as Clyde struggled to break down their defence.

The Second period opened with Stranraer gaining the upper hand indeed it was former Clyde striker, Leigh Hinds, who wasted the best opportunity of the game as he struck Peter Cherrie went it looked easier to score. Cherrie was in the thick of the action as after that marvellous block he followed it up with an instinctive reflex save from a Sharpe header.

As the game wore on the Bully Wee began to dominate possession though to his credit the introduction of Stranraer sub Dene Shiels ensured that the home defence could not relax.

In the closing stages Stranraer appeared to settle for the point with even the introduction of Joe Miller having little effect, although that was to change. Certainly it seemed that all hope of a goal had been lost when a deflected shot put O’Donnell clear in front of goal but again Corr was the hero for Stranraer as the chance was lost.

However the game was set for a dramatic ending. Joe Miller controlled a long ball and placed a cross into the box that worried Stranraer a poor clearance allowed Stevie Masterton to set his sights from 25 yards and he did not disappoint as he powerfully shot home leaving the visting keeper grasping at thin air.

And that was that. A fantastic three points though the performance at Broadwood again failed to ignite in the way that matches away from home have cheered the heart. Once more however it was evident of the passion that Roberts has inspired in his charges and from a supporters point of view it was encouraging that the players never settled for the draw and right at the end they got their reward.