Ross County v Clyde

Recap

Clyde travelled to Dingwall desperate for revenge following their Challenge Cup defeat to Ross County the previous Sunday but after a game of missed chances, they had to be content with a point from a relatively exciting encounter. Clyde fielded an unchanged starting line-up, with previously suspended pair Gary Arbuckle and Michael McGowan returning to the bench.

For the 5th game in a row, Clyde fans witnessed a red card and for the 3rd league game in a row, it came for an opponent. Gary Irvine, the on-loan Celtic defender received a straight dismissal for a punch on Eddie Malone after just 12 minutes, following a scrap between the pair. Up until that point, Clyde had been in control and had carved out their best opportunity as Irvine was taking the law into his own hands, captain Paul McHale driving a low shot just past the post.

With Clyde’s recent practice against 10 men, the Bully Wee kept control of the game and Andy Ferguson’s powerful strike was deflected clear. Andy Dowie, the County goalscorer from the Challenge Cup Final then continued to break Clyde hearts as he twice cleared goal bound efforts from the line.

Just like the previous league game against Hamilton, it was the 10 man opposition who were to take the lead. A slack ball in midfield saw Gardyne neatly step over a through ball, allowing Amick Ciami to run through, skip past Hutton and slot home into the empty net. A classy finish and Clyde were in trouble.

The rest of the half saw Clyde create and then miss several good chances. O’Donnell failed to get his customary goal against County, hitting his low shot just past the post. A looping header from McGregor then clipped the bar, although the referee had already awarded a freekick to County. O’Donnell also saw a goal correctly disallowed for offside.

After the break, Clyde continued to press and Derek Adams remarkably cleared McGregor’s header, with the Clyde fans already celebrating. Clyde then chose to change things up front, introducing McKenna and Arbuckle for Ferguson and Hunter. McKenna made an instant impression, with his shot being well held by Samson. Malone then chose to cut inside rather than shoot from a good position, as Clyde started to look like a goal was beyond them.

A neat through ball saw Don Cowie race through on goal, only to be denied by the alert Hutton, who once again rushed off of his line to clear. The importance of the stop was highlighted minutes later as Clyde finally equalised. A superb whipped cross by O’Donnell was knocked on by Chris Higgins and Craig McKeown appeared to perhaps also get a touch onto the ball as it trundled into the net. A deserved equaliser and with a chunk of the game remaining, Clyde looked likely to press for a winner.

In all truth, the game petered out following the equaliser. O’Donnell had another goal ruled out for offside and a late McGregor header crashed over the bar but County perhaps deserved a point for their heroic defending.

Once again the lack of a killer touch stopped Clyde gaining on the teams above them. The defence looked solid with a confident keeper inspiring confidence. With both Airdrie and Queen of the South winning, it was essential that Clyde did not lose in order to keep some distance between them and the foot of the table, so that is one positive to be taken from the long trip.

MotM: Chris Higgins. Arguably Clyde’s most consistent performer over the season, also came up with a crucial goal.