CLYDEBANK made it three wins from three with a 2-0 victory over Ashfield on Saturday.
Second half goals from Phil Johnston and Jordan Shelvey sees Bankies sit top of their Sectional League Cup group, and means Kieran McAnespie’s men can progress to the quarter finals of the competition with a point against rivals Yoker Athletic on Wednesday.
McAnespie made seven changes to the side that beat Maryhill, with Josh Lumsden, Chris Dooley, Jamie Darroch, Phil Johnston, Ciaran Lafferty and Reece Pearson all being recalled to the starting eleven.
After an opening first half hour devoid of many chances, a well worked set piece saw trialist Johnny Allan knock down Ryan Deas’ cross for Lafferty, with the striker forcing a save before skewing the rebound high over the bar.
Johnston also came close during the closing stages of the first period, but his effort with the outside of his right boot was narrowly wide.
Lafferty was forced off at the break through injury and replaced by Shelvey, who almost scored early into the second period when he was sent through on goal, only to be denied by the legs of Ashfield stopper Mark Quinn.
Ashfield enjoyed a fruitful spell soon after and almost made Bankies rue their missed chances, but goalkeeper Josh Lumsden – celebrating his 21st birthday – produced two outstanding saves on his way to a first clean sheet of the season.
But Bankies’ patience paid off as they broke the deadlock on 67 minutes. Deas found Johnston at the edge of the area, with the latter taking a touch before shooting across goal to grab his first goal in Clydebank colours.
Five minutes later, substitute Jordan Shelvey doubled Bankies lead. Latching on to a long ball over the top, the striker out paced Ashfield defender Paul Doyle and looped a first time effort over Quinn.
With the game all but sealed, McAnespie’s third and final change saw club captain Vezza withdrawn and replaced by Clydebank U19 and Scottish Cup winning midfielder Matt McLean as Bankies extended their winning run to nine matches.
Kick off ‘away’ to Yoker Athletic this Wednesday is 6:45pm.
