CLYDEBANK booked their place in the quarter final of the Sectional League Cup with a late draw against rivals Yoker on Wednesday.
The Whe Ho opened the scoring from the spot after Ross Lyden was penalised inside the area, with Ciaran Lafferty levelling things late on.
With Saturday’s league opener against Glenafton in mind, Bankies boss Kieran McAnespie made six changes for the final group game of section six.
Josh Lumsden, Chris Dooley, Alan Vezza, Jamie Darroch, Ciaran Lafferty and Ryan Deas all dropped to the bench with Scott Morrison, Jamie Lyden, trialist Matt McLean, Ross Lyden, Jordan Shelvey and Chris Black starting.
Midway through the first half, Yoker opened the scoring from the spot. Trapping the ball well inside the area, Ken Allan was bundled over by Bankies midfielder Ross Lyden, with referee Steven Strang pointed immediately to the spot.
Richie Henry assumed responsibility, sending Bankies stopper Scott Morrison the wrong way as the Central First side went in front.
From the restart, Bankies could’ve equalised after Calum Gow’s thumping header from Phil Johnston’s corner crashed off the underside of Liam Campbell’’s crossbar before being cleared to safety.
And before the break Yoker could’ve extended their advantage. Former Annan defender Stewart Sharkey gave Jamie Lyden a torrid time down the left channel, with Morrison on hand to tip Greg Cree’s header over the bar.
Early into the second half it was Yoker’s turn to hit the woodwork, with former Bankie Rab O’Neill’s looping header coming off the bar.
Morrison was then called into action twice in quick succession, first to prevent Scott Smith’s header before denying substitute Ryan Hynes.
With less than ten minutes to play, Bankies salvaged the point they needed to top the group. Chris Black’s through ball fell to the feet of Lafferty, who took a touch before shooting low past Campbell.
After the restart, Yoker midfielder Gary Bissland was deemed to have lashed out at Phil Johnston which ensured a mass coming together that also saw Ryan Deas and Jordan Shelvey cautioned.
The ten men should’ve then won it at the death, with the unmarked Smith failing to connect with a cross to the back post as Bankies held on and set up a quarter final tie at home to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.
