Peterhead v Clyde

Recap

A depleted Bully Wee side ended 2019 with defeat at a windy Balmoor this afternoon.

Danny Lennon made one change to the team that picked up three points against Aidrieonians last week, with Darren Smith replacing Chris Johnston. A mounting injury and illness list also meant that Lennon had to name himself amongst the substitutes.

The first chance of the match fell to Clyde when Alex Petkov’s long pass found David Goodwillie, but the striker’s shot from a tight angle was comfortable pushed away by Greg Fleming.

The Bully Wee, playing with a strong wind at their backs, continued to look the more likely to score and Petkov forced a header on target from an Ally Love corner, which fell kindly into Fleming’s arms.

However, the hosts took the lead against the run of play when a low cross from the right found its way to an unmarked Derek Lyle at the back post, with the veteran forward taking advantage to find the net.

Clyde came close to a quick equaliser when Barry Cuddihy surged forward and linked with Goodwillie to create an opening, but he was challenged just before getting a clean shot away.

The second half was a largely turgid affair in continued difficult conditions, with The Bully Wee finding it tough to put pressure on the home goal, facing into the elements.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Darren Smith was given a sight of goal at the edge of the box, but his attempt to sidestep Fleming and create space for a shot was thwarted by the onrushing home ‘keeper.

Following a half chance for Ally Love, The Blue Toon ventured up the park and substitute Rory McAllister set up Scott Brown, who finished well to make the end of the match more comfortable for the hosts.

In the last minute, there was a flashpoint as Ray Grant and Simon Ferry went in for a challenge, resulting in Ferry being shown a straight red card by the referee.