Reserves Power On

Clyde secured a comfortable victory over East Stirling by 4 goals to 1 in Reserve League Cup. It was the Bully Wee’s third match and third victory in the tournament which has been organised as a round robin competition this year.

Dougie Bell previously steered the team to victories over Airdrie United and Stranraer. The Bully Wee started the game as favourites but the ‘Shire ignored the tag and fought hard for victory, however in the end their efforts were to no avail.

Clyde opened the scoring when Valentim placed the ball into an empty net after great work by Kevin Bradley. Evangelino then became provider for Clyde’s second; the big striker saw his shot parried however he kept his nerve and sidefooted the ball into the path of Kevin Bradley who made no mistake from close range to give Clyde a 0-2 half-time lead.

Evangelino Valentim outpaced the ‘Shire defence following a long ball from Craig McKeown and with some neat footwork steered the ball past the home keeper. The goal promised of better things to come in the second period but in truth the Bully Wee lost their way as East Stirling came into the game more.

The home side, coached by former Clyde Pro Youth coaches Alan Upton and Paul McIlwraith, finally got their reward from the penalty spot which gave the ‘Shire fresh impetus. However, Clyde rallied in the latter stages of the game and it was Sean McKenna who put the icing on the cake with a fine strike from 20 yards.

It was a good workout for the team and gave a number of players on the fringes of the first team a chance to impress watching boss Colin Hendry. A fact emphasised to www.clydefc.co.uk by Colin himself:-

“We do miss regular reserve matches. Players need games. A footballer’s week is about having 90 or 180 minutes of football in it, yet some of our guys haven’t been able to get that and this was their first full match for a fortnight. So tonight was important not just to win but to maintain and in some cases regain fitness.

“It was a pity that Gary Arbuckle and Ryan Wilkie had picked up knocks and were unable to feature but others got their opportunity and it was good to get a victory.”

CLYDE: Cherrie, Doherty, Bestvina, Kirkup, McKeown, Carrio, Roddy MacLennan, Smith, Valentim, McKenna, Bradley. SUBS: Connolly (Roddy MacLennan), Murch (Carrio), Craig (Valentim).