Clyde v The Spartans

Recap

Clyde will start the second leg of their play-off semi final with a two-goal lead on Saturday, following a strong performance under the Hamilton lights this evening.

The Bully Wee squad was back close to full strength and Darren Young opted to reinstate Logan Dunachie, Kyle Connell, Marley Redfern and Scott Williamson to the starting line-up.

The opening exchanges were unsurprisingly extremely edgy as both sides tested each other out. Eventually, though, it was the hosts who started to ask questions of their guests and the mounting territory told in spectacular fashion midway through the first half. Andy Murdoch intercepted well in midfield and found Connell, who caught The Spartans’ keeper Blair Carswell completely off-guard with a curling long-range effort which found the bottom corner to break the deadlock.

Clyde should’ve added to their lead before the break, with Williamson having the pick of the chances when played in on goal by Connell. His first few touches were good, but the eventual finish lacked conviction and was easily saved. The Spartans’ first good chance came near the death, but Murray Aiken sent his header from close range over Jay Hogarth’s crossbar.

The home side surrendered a bit of control after the restart, but the visitors failed to threaten despite having a bit more of a foothold in the match. Instead, it was Clyde who scored the game’s next goal as the half wore on; Connell’s long throw hung in the air and was flicked on target by Dunachie, with Carswell letting the ball bobble over the line before scrambling it clear. After a moment of anxious protest in the home end, the linesman signalled for the goal, sparking big celebrations.

Hogarth made his first and only save of the evening afterwards from James Craigen’s meek volley, but that was as good as it was to get for The Spartans as The Bully Wee managed the remaining time well and secured what may prove to be a valuable clean sheet.