Reserves March On

Clyde continued their unbeaten run in the Reserve League Cup with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Hamilton. Clyde’s squad featured a number of changes from the previous games in this competition, as a number of first team players were given match practice while three trialists were also given their chance to shine.

The Accies took the lead from the penalty spot in the 15th minute and The Bully Wee fought hard to get back on level terms but the Accies’ defence stood firm for the remainder of the opening

period and Hamilton continued to look dangerous on the break.

Clyde improved in the second half with Stevie Masterton and especially Jimmy Gibson prominent. It was Gibson who pulled the strings in midfield; his vision for a telling pass consistently put the Accies’ defence under pressure while his timely interceptions eased the pressure on behalf of his own team mates on numerous occasions.

Indeed it was Gibson who was vital in getting Clyde back on level terms. In the 75th minute, Jimmy capitalised on some slack defending in the penalty area and played the ball to the near post where Clyde’s trialist striker was able to stab the ball home at the second attempt.

The Bully Wee took confidence from this and scored a second 5 minutes from time when Christian Smith intercepted the ball in the centre circle and played the trialist striker through. The striker kept his composure and slipped the ball under the keeper’s body for the winning goal.

In the final moments, Christian Smith was sent off following a sliding tackle after which the Accies right back was stretchered off.

Clyde coach Dougie Bell was understandably delighted with the result: “I’m really pleased for the boys. I think we deserved it as we worked hard in the second half and got our reward. We have two games left in our section against Thistle and Queen’s Park so we want to keep the momentum going and qualify for the semi finals.”

CLYDE: Cherrie, Carrio, Campbell (Trialist), Higgins, Smith, Masterton, Trialist (Connelly), J Gibson, Trialist, Fagan (Doherty), Roddy MacLennan.