CLYDEBANK were once again left to rue missed chances as they lost 2-0 to Blantyre Vics on Monday night,
First half headers from Mark Thompson and former Bankie Davie Green were the difference as Bankies slipped to fourth spot.
With Monday’s game Clydebank’s third in six days, Bankies boss Budgie McGhie made five changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Largs. Robbie Halliday, Alan Vezza, Johnny Allan, Joel Kasubandi and Greg Cree were replaced by Jamie Lyden, Danny MacKinnon, Jordan Shelvey, Stevie Young and Ryan Holms as Bankies opted to play two up front, a variation from the side’s standard 4-3-3 formation.
It took just four minutes for Vics to open the scoring. From a corner, Mark Thompson had a free run and headed past Lumsden from six yards.
It was a poor start from the side seeking promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, and that task was to become even more difficult five minutes later, when Vics doubled their advantage.
A floated ball into the box from Graham Watson was met by the head of former Bankies midfielder Davie Green and the home side had a two goal cushion.
A disjointed Bankies side tried desperately to get back into the game, but squandered several chances to do so. A bursting run down the right from stand in skipper Nicky Little saw him pull the ball back for Ryan Holms, but his shot went flying over the bar.
Then, five minutes after the restart, they should’ve halved the deficit once more. Mark Burbidge went on a driving run and cross for Holms, who once again should’ve scored, this time heading straight at Vics ‘keeper Paddy Macklin.
With thirteen minutes remaining, the visitors hit the woodwork. Burbidge’s free kick somehow deceived Macklin, with his effort cannoning off the post and bouncing to safety.
Graham Mort, Joel Kasubandi and Greg Cree all made an appearance from the bench in the last quarter, as Bankies unsuccessfully tried to salvage a point at Castle Park. The defeat means Cumnock leapfrog into third spot, with Blantyre just one point behind in fifth place.
Clydebank will be looking to get back among the promotion hunt when they host Shotts Bon Accord tonight (Wednesday). Kick off at Holm Park is 6:45.
