BANKIES progressed to the third round of the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup with a 2-1 win over Whitletts Victoria.
A brace from Nicky Little, his twelfth and thirteenth goals of the season, gave Clydebank the win as they remain unbeaten in 2016.
Bankies boss Budgie McGhie made two changes from the side that beat Bellshill, with Graham Mort and the cup-tied Jamie Lyden being replaced by Phil Barclay and Robbie Halliday respectively.
After a quiet opening period, Bankies began to take control of the game. First, Rab O’Neill’s free kick evaded the head of Joel Kasubandi, while Ryan Holms had a shot marginally wide of the post. Robbie Halliday, returning from a four month injury lay off, also tried his luck from distance but to no avail.
On the half hour mark, Bankies were awarded a penalty. On his return to the starting lineup, captain Phil Barclay’s darting run into the box was prematurely ended when he was scythed down inside the area by Jordan Mullen. Nicky Little assumed responsibility, burying the ball into the bottom right hand corner to give Bankies the lead.
Three minutes after the restart, Whitletts got themselves level. After good tracking from Mark Burbidge, he bundled over Sean Ewart in the box in what was a typical forward’s challenge. Tony Balfour sent Josh Lumsden the wrong way to equalise for Vics.
Burbidge was once again involved soon after, latching on to a ball over the top but the pacey winger skewed his shot high and wide.
On the hour, Bankies had strong appeals for another spot kick waved away when Kasubandi was dragged down, with the assistant referee’s flag being overruled by referee Richard Murray.
Twelve minutes from time, Little clinched the win. Substitue Andy Paterson let fly from 25 yards, with Vics stopper only able to parry the ball into the path of Little who bundled home from close range as Bankies extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
Next up for Clydebank is a trip to Castle Park to play Blantyre Vics. Kick off next Saturday is 2pm, with the Supporters Bus leaving Hardgate at 12:30 and Browns at 12:45.
