Clyde 0-0 The Spartans
Clyde cut the gap to ninth place to two points with six league games remaining after a drab stalemate against promotion play-off chasing The Spartans at New Douglas Park.
Ian McCall opted for one change to the starting lineup after last weekend’s victory at Bonnyrigg with Barry Cuddihy returning from injury to replace Liam Scullion.
Neither team were able to create clear cut chances in the first quarter of the match. However, the visitors who were enjoying the bulk of possession did attempt to test the Clyde defence with Craigen’s effort from inside the box in the ninth minute, which was blocked.
As the match progressed, the visitors were the most intent on pressing the ball forward with Dishington sprinting to the edge of the box to catch the end of Booth’s long-arching pass from a couple of yards, but he was unable to connect. Whereas The Bully Wee were being continuously hemmed into their own half, but were resilient in safeguarding their defensive wall.
Having said that, Clyde did produce an opportunity in the 25th minute with their first shot on target. Jordan Allan maintained control of the ball on the outside of the box and attempted a shot from range, but it was comfortably collected by Carswell.
In the final five minutes of the first period, Spartans came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute. The ball was knocked in the path of McNulty in the centre of the box, but Kinnear timed his intervention to ensure the game was level at the interval.
The hosts came within a hairs-width of opening the scoring three minutes after the restart. Jaze Kabia fired a header at goal from Craig Howie’s corner, only for the ball to fly narrowly wide. Martin Rennie then attempted an effort of his own from the edge of the box, but the ball flew straight at Carswell.
Clyde were beginning to ensure their presence was felt in the visitor’s half, leading to a stramash in the box in the 63rd minute. Rennie fired a shot at goal from Kabia’s corner which bruised the woodwork and bounced back into play, however, Alex King was unable to deal with the rebound as the ball was cleared.
As the match progressed, both sides were struggling to create meaningful opportunities and bypass a solid defence. With eight minutes of normal time remaining, the ball was fed to an unmarked Allan who attempted a volley from within the box, only to miss the target.
With proceedings entering stoppage time, Clyde were desperately seeking a last-gasp winner. Jordan Allan judged his run to glide into the box, but his shot was swiftly intercepted by two visiting defenders, whilst Leitch captured the ball from Hamilton’s cross, but his effort careered over the bar as The Bully Wee had to contend with a point.
BULLY WEE FUND DRAW WINNER: 35. ALAN BROWN – £625