Stranraer v Clyde

Recap

The Bully Wee produced a much-improved display at a wet and miserable Stair Park this afternoon, leaving the seaside town with a credible point.

Jim Duffy fielded the same team that lost heavily to Berwick last week, but a higher level of performance was evident in the opening stages. Both sides looked to create chances but found it hard to do so, with a lot of rain leaving the pitch heavy and a little unpredictable.

Clyde did have a penalty claim turned away before the interval though, when John Neill appeared to be impeded inside the box. Referee John Beaton did not agree, however.

The second half saw a similar pattern emerge, with a lack of goals not spoiling a hard-fought and very watchable encounter.

Around the hour mark, two chances fell to The Bully Wee in quick succession. Stephen McDonald was first with a powerful shot from just inside the box that was fisted away by David Mitchell, before John Neill managed to find some space and then see his sharp drive also saved by Mitchell.

The hosts pushed hard in search of a winner as the match wore on and Clyde’s goal survived two scares in particular. Felip Mentel produced a fine stop from sub Sean Winter’s low shot at the back post when a goal looked more likely. Then, with time running out, a low cross from the right caused confusion in the six yard box, with the ball eventually trickling out for a corner rather than an own goal.

Michael Oliver and Ryan Kane were introduced to the match in the closing minutes, but they couldn’t help find an opening goal that eluded both sides all afternoon; probably in equal measure.