Livingston v Clyde

Recap

Clyde travelled to Livingston for the first time since a 3-0 friendly defeat in 2004 and like several away games this season, were left feeling they had missed a chance to close the gap on league leaders Gretna.

Clyde kept the same line-up that was held to a goal-less draw against Airdrie, with Roddy Hunter moving onto the bench. Livingston kept ex-Clyde striker Paul Shields in reserve along with Barcelona-bound Robert Snodgrass.

Livingston started the game in ominous fashion, having plenty of possession and forcing Clyde back into their own half. However, Clyde’s defence is becoming well known for its solidity and Neil McGregor in particular responded well to block a Dorrans drive. The pacy Scotland U19 player was causing Clyde problems and his low cut back after a neat run was again well cut out by McGregor, with 3 Livingston players ready to pounce. Both Livingston strikers, Craig and Teggert, were then booked. Craig for persistent fouling with Teggert’s coming for a couple of aggressive challenges.

At the other end, Clyde created possibly the best opportunity of the game as Arbuckle and Imrie combined, allowing the latter to be denied by the onrushing Craig Wight. The ball broke kindly for Craig Bryson who was given offside. Clyde’s other real chance of the first half saw O’Donnell’s thrusting run from midfield finish with a low ball across the box that was cleared for a corner, with Arbuckle set to pounce.

Livingston continued to press however and it was no real surprise when they took the lead. A long freekick into the box saw Steven Tweed beat McKeown in the air and Neil Teggert was first to react, sliding the ball past Hutton.

The second half was barely a few minutes old when the incident that changed the match occurred. Clyde ‘keeper Hutton caught a long ball but was clattered by Steven Craig. A small scrap ensued which resulted in both players receiving bookings, with Craig’s being his second of the game, the ex-Aberdeen strikers second red card against Clyde this season.

Clyde have had plenty of practice against 10 men this season and found out it is difficult to break down a side who have no intentions of moving forward at any point. As such, for the next half hour Clyde struggled to create any clear chances. Arbuckle poked just past the post after a neat passing move, whilst an O’Donnell corner was headed over the bar by McKeown when well placed. McKeown’s defensive partner Chris Higgins was then booked in fouling Shields and injured himself in the process. Robert Harris replaced him, with Andy Ferguson also replacing the ineffective Imrie.

Clyde’s main source of concern for the Livingston rearguard was Michael McGowan’s excellent crossing and with 8 minutes left, this finally paid off. After waiting an eternity for the ball to be moved to his side of the field, McGowan cut inside and hit a lofted cross with the outside of his left boot. Three Clyde players could potentially have netted but it was Arbuckle who slotted home his 3rd goal in 4 games, a perfect response to the boo-boys who would have rather seen him subbed than Imrie.

As time ran-out, Clyde pressed for the winner and Paul McHale’s outstanding cross was just missed by two on-rushing players. With the final action of the game, a Harris shot struck a Livingston hand but the referee was unsighted and missed the infringement.

Once again, Clyde’s defence held firm and Hutton is continuing to impress with his good handling and awareness. Arbuckle also continues to impress up front and has taken his chance well.

With just one home game left in this quarter, Clyde will be pleased to have left venues like Firhill, Gretna and Livingston with their unbeaten record intact but regretting missed opportunities. Overall, a draw was probably about fair in this one though.

MotM: Neil McGregor. Once again, a class above every other player on the pitch.