Annan Athletic 0-2 Clyde

Goals from Jamie McCluskey and Pat Scullion earned Clyde a fine win in the South of Scotland tonight, thanks also to a determined team performance.

Gavin Brown and Willie Sawyers replaced Graham Girvan and John Stewart as Jim Duffy made two changes to the side that beat Montrose on Saturday.

The hosts probably enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and looked to put some early pressure on Bryn Halliwell’s goal, although they weren’t able to create any clear-cut chances.

A run and shot by Kevin Finlayson raised the Bully Wee’s spirits and an opening goal followed only a few moments later. Marc McCusker was brought down outside the box and Jamie McCluskey stepped up to curl a shot past the wall and into the bottom corner of the net – a lovely strike that seemed to completely deceive Craig Summersgill.

The Galabankies surged back into the match and had several chances to equalise before half-time, as the Clyde defence found cross balls hard to deal with. Ian Harty was usually involved; hitting the bar and heading over from six yards in quick succession.

After the break, the Bully Wee looked more comfortable and tried to exploit the home side on the break. It was a counter-attack that led to the second goal, starting with a brilliant piece of play by Sawyers. The forward was able to hold possession and release McCluskey, who went on to win a corner. The resulting delivery led to a scramble in the box, with Finlayson and McCusker both having shots blocked before Pat Scullion forced a header into the net from close range.

When yet another headed attempt on goal from an Annan corner flashed past Halliwell’s post, it seemed that it may be Clyde’s night and that proved to be the case. McCusker was unlucky not to score after a powerful run and shot, with Ross McMillan putting his head in where it hurts to make sure that there was no late lifeline for the home side.

The final whistle concluded a battling team performance that was enjoyed by the band of Bully Wee fans who were packed into the away section at a wet but very welcoming Galabank.

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