Two More Wins For Under 18S

Clyde’s under-18 side continue to impress the German footballing public, notching up two more victories since the last update on the website. The youngsters are gaining a lot of highly positive publicity from their host nation and have gained many admirers.

Already covered on the site have been the 2-1 win over Tasmania Berlin, and a 3-2 win over Hansa Rostock under-17/19s. Here are two more brief match reports to bring you up to date on the boys’ progress…

Hansa Rostock U-19s 2 v 3 Clyde

Clyde got off to a flyer when Chris Zok netted just after only 43secs. The home side equalised following defensive slip in 15 mins to make it 1-1. Clyde’s response was swift, as a minute later they raced upfield and regained lead from a Mark Gilhaney effort. Hansa again squared match, with a blatant offside goal (clearly 2 yards off) – this coming 1 minute before half time. Once again Clyde repeated the feat by scoring immediately, through striker Zok for his second.

Half-time 2-3

There was no further scoring in a hard fought but even second half.

Full-time 2-3

John Bean said after the game – “The team displayed the determined side to their growing character, highlighted by hitting back, when teams are at their most vulnerable.”

Bentwisch (Adult Amateur side) 1 v 3 Clyde

Clyde had three players out through injury which meant a first start for the U-15s “S” signing John Paul McKeever. John was a late replacement for Liam Fleming prior to the European Exchange trip. The home side opened scoring which went down to slack defensive play. Clyde were back on level terms just before half-time when Chris Zok netted again.

Half Time 1-1

Two second half goals from Billy Reid gave The Bully Wee their 4th win of the tour. The first followed a short corner played to him, and he let fly a left footed shot into top corner. His second was a well executed free kick, right footed, into top right hand corner.

Full-time 1-3

John Bean commented – “This was a tough physical encounter, against a team who used all the tricks in the book (elbows, shirt tugging etc). But the lads worked hard, stuck to their own game and were duly rewarded”.

Other snippets

* Injury problems: The only negative aspect of the tour so far has been the three injuries picked up. Chris Sloman (achiles), Mark Gourlay (foot) and Mark McIlroy (ankle) will all be coming home nursing problems.

* Training opportunity: Mark Gilhaney and Billy Reid were given the opportunity to train with Hansa Rostok reserves, and both found it a highly valuable experience.

* Scouting scouted(!): John McKeever (Head of Youth Scouting) is also over having a look at the Hansa Scouting System for their Youth Development.

Our thanks to Gordon Nisbet of “The Clyde View” (where you can also follow the young Bully Wee’s fortunes) for all of the above info.