Clyde v Stranraer

A sublime moment of skill from one-game guest Jean Louis Valois earned Clyde a victory in a very tame performance against Stranraer.

The game was used by Billy Reid to give new defender Scott Wilson, some youths and Jean Louis Valois some match practice but in truth they never really put Stranraer under much pressure.

While Clyde began with a strong defence of Mensing, Bollan, Wilson and Potter, the midfield was totally makeshift and consisted of Bryson, McCracken, Arbuckle and Valois with Conway and Gilhaney up front. Stranraer looked more of a team at the beginning as Valois struggled to find the pace of the game and Clyde’s young midfield and attackers struggled against stronger players.

Stranraer had a lively partnership up front but thankfully they couldn’t find a way through to Morrison in the Clyde goal. Clyde’s only threat was coming from corners but even then the Stranraer keeper was rarely tested. The only excitement of the first half saw Bryson volley over the bar from the edge of the box.

Things could only improve in the second half and with ten minutes gone Conway drove into the box and chipped the ball to the far post where Bryson saw his header parried away. Stranraer took the cue for some action and soon had Morrison at full stretch to turn a shot around the post and then saw him pull off a dramatic reflex save to deny them further.

Clyde decided to reshuffle and pushed Valios into a more forward role and it soon paid dividends. Picking up the ball outside the box, the Frenchman switched the ball onto his left foot and sent a sweet curling shot into the top corner. Everybody was stunned that such a poor game should have produced such a wonderful goal.

Stranraer tried to respond, but Clyde began to pick them off in midfield and push for a second goal. Valois was replaced by Bradley, and Bollan by McKeever to give the lads a run out.

Gilhaney had a double attempt at goal first saved by the keeper and then headed off the line but to Stranraer’s credit they made Clyde work until the end.

This was a good training exercise for the defence but as an attempt at playing attacking football it failed – hardly surprising given the midfield and attack had never played with each other before. The plus points were young McCracken was given a full ninety minutes and in Scott Wilson we appear to have another assured central defender.

Clyde Star Ratings (*****)

Morrison **** Couple of fine saves but not much to do really.
Mensing **** Strong performance once again.
Bollan **** Some wayward passes but steady at the back.
Wilson **** Very good start to his Clyde career.
Potter **** Strolled through with another fine performance.
McCracken *** A bit overpowered at times but stuck to his game for the duration.
Bryson *** Another steady if unspectacular performance.
Arbuckle *** Looked out of position and little chance to shine.
Conway ** Little service and hardly a glimpse at goal.
Valois *** Odd flashes and a super goal, but will need to do more to get a move.
Gilhaney ** Seems to be struggling to make the impression he has done before.

Bradley ** Neat enough in his short spell.
McKeever ** Did the needful when required to.