CLYDEBANK slipped to their second successive league defeat with a 4-2 loss against Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday.
Bankies came from behind to lead thanks to goals from Jordan Shelvey and Ross Forsyth, but a fightback saw the home side score two quick fire goals before adding a fourth in the closing stages.
With the Holm Park surface deemed unplayable, the game was switched to Abbey Park and manager Kieran McAnespie was dealt a blow prior to kick off when Ciaran Lafferty pulled up during the warm up. Jordan Shelvey started up front in his place while Josh Lumsden, Johnny Allan, Ross Forsyth and Phil Johnston all returned to the starting eleven.
After a fairly even opening quarter, Kilwinning broke the deadlock. David Winters was afforded to much space on the edge of the area, and the former Dundee United man rifled a fine effort past Bankies goalkeeper Josh Lumsden as Buffs took the lead.
And Winters nearly doubled his and Buffs’ advantage in similar style shortly after, but fortunately for Lumsden the ball looped narrowly over the bar.
The visitors then had the ball in the net after Jamie Lyden nodded in from a corner, but referee Chris Gentles ruled the goal out for a push.
Bankies did then get their goal on the half hour mark. Phil Johnston shirked two challenges before bursting down the right channel, crossing for Shelvey who side footed home.
Ten minutes after the restart, Bankies took the lead. Ross Forsyth rose highest to Josh Watt’s corner, thumping his header past Adam Strain.
On the hour mark, Kilwinning levelled. After Jamie Lyden was penalised wide on the left, an out-swinging free kick into the six yard area saw Johnny Allan stab the ball past Josh Lumsden and into his own net as Buffs began to control proceedings.
Just two minutes later, the home side were in front. From a Clydebank throw in Buffs’ half – Bankies lost possession with substitute Findlay Frye cutting the defence open and shooting low past Lumsden after the young stopper denied Frye’s first attempt.
And as the clock struck 90, Buffs secured all three points. Forsyth’s indecision on the ball gave Ryan Nisbet the ball on a plate, with the substitute slotting coolly past Lumsden as Bankies remain without a point for their opening two fixtures.
Up next is the Sectional League Cup semi final away to Cambuslang Rangers this Wednesday night. Kick off at Somerville Park is 6:30pm.
