East Stirling 2-0 Clyde
The Bully Wee fell to another disappointing defeat at a wet and windy Ochilview today.
Newly appointed captain Ross McMillan won the toss and elected to play with the wind at his back in the first half, as Clyde started the match on top. However, despite being the better side clear-cut chances were at a premium.
Willie Sawyers came closest to scoring, when he met Adam Strachan’s teasing cross and headed just wide.
The Shire had failed to test Jordan Allan as the hour mark approached, but took the lead with a spectacular goal. Alex Walker used the wind to good effect as he lashed a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner of the net.
Walker’s involvement in the match ended soon afterwards though, when he was harshly shown a second yellow card after a collision with Sawyers.
As Clyde struggled to make use of the numerical advantage, the hosts doubled their lead. Stephen Maguire managed to get between McMillan and McGowan and his header also found the top corner, leaving Allan with no chance.
Strachan produced the Bully Wee’s best effort before the full-time whistle, but his shot from the edge of the box drifted wide of the post.
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With no audio file this week, here are Stuart Millar’s thoughts from a brief post-match press conference:-
“We totally dominated the first half and the start of the second half in terms of possession, but their ‘keeper had very few saves to make. We didn’t have a shot on target but plenty off target.
“I’d have been happier playing with the wind in the second half to be honest, because I felt that both teams needed that first 45 minutes to get themselves going. All we’ve been able to do in the last few weeks is play five-a-sides and such like.
“I think both teams tired in the second half, but the difference was that East Stirling had a goal to hang on to. That was enough incentive for them to keep going. From our point of view the second goal is poor defending.
“It’s disappointing overall. Our performance, until they had a man sent off, was decent enough but without testing their goalkeeper.”