Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Clydebank

Recap

Clydebank made a flying start to their league season with an impressive 2-0 win away to Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

A Nicky Little second half double separated the sides but Bankies should have had the match won by then.

Budgie McGhie’s side were dominant from the start and squandered a number of chances before the break.

High-scoring Winton rarely troubled Josh Lumsden’s goal and the young keeper went on to notch a clean sheet on his league debut.

Ryan Holms, who led the attack, had the game’s first clear-cut chance midway through the first half when he found himself with just home keeper Michael Wardrop to beat but the striker fired straight at the veteran shot stopper who saved easily.

Bankies turned the screw and Little should have opened the scoring when he turned in the box but fired over from six yards.

McGhie was forced into personnel changes before the break after two of his young stars picked up knocks.

Mark Burbidge was clattered on the head in an aerial duel and had to come off after complaining of dizziness. He was replaced by Gregor Cree, another player making his league debut.

The match was never a dirty affair but midfielder Daniel MacKinnon came off second best in a meaty challenge that left him with an injured foot.

MacKinnon saw it through to the break when he was replaced by Jordan Shelvey who took up a wide role, allowing Scott Jackson to move to central midfield.

Little broke the deadlock after he was first to react when Hold attempted lob was blocked by Wardrop before stroking the ball home.

It was no less than Clydebank deserved and they soon doubled the lead.

Shelvey ended a penetrating run with a fine pass to Little who jinked one way and then the other before placing a low shot into the keeper’s right-hand corner.

Little ran off to celebrate with the sizeable travelling support who sensed that the second goal would be enough to seal the points.

Ardrossan had their moments and had an effort that struck a post before being blasted over.

But Clydebank’s dominance was almost total with Johnny Allan giving a masterclass in how to play a defensive midfield role being one of the highlights of a classy performance.