Scottish Cup | Allan key to turning screw in comeback against the Bankies

Posted on Sunday, September 18th, 2022

A sensational second half comeback by Spartans, led by a Mikey Allan equaliser saw them overturn a deficit at the break to progress into the Scottish Cup 2nd Round with a 1-3 win over Clydebank at Holm Park.

Ahead of kick-off, the crowd of 555 showed their respects with a minute silence, replicated in almost every ground across the country.

Hosts Clydebank came into the tie looking to build on last season’s impressive Scottish Cup run whilst Spartans, in their 70^th tie in the competition, sought to be make it into the second round draw for the first time in three years.

The slightly unnerving sight and sound of jumbo jets flying over the Holm Park ground was a new experience for the visitors, with one call on social media to suggest it was definitely a day for playing on the wing.

The home crowd were in fine voice and they were left wondering how they didn’t take a 10^th minute lead when Blair Carswell pulled off an excellent one-handed stop – one of several during the course of the tie – before the subsequent rebound went over the bar.

Sam Jones required treatment shortly after when he was crudely taken out in the middle of the field, causing some concern for the talented playmaker.  However, following treatment, he was back on his feet.

Jamie Dishington managed to get behind the home defence however he could only watch on as his effort was saved by the Bankies keeper who’s jersey number of 20 was one more than his age.

A theatrical dive in the box by Bankies 19 saw him receive a ticket from the Referee for his troubles.

Clydebank’s recent Scottish Cup ties have seen the luck of the draw handing them home ties and lady luck looked to be shining on them once again when they took the lead on the half hour mark.

The effort towards goal taking a deflection and evading the stranded Carswell and the home crowd went wild.

A tremendous burst of pace down the line by Alan Brown saw him put in a cross into the box however it had just too much air in it and the ball whizzed past Cammy Russell’s nose.

Half Time: Clydebank FC 1-0 The Spartans

Spartans looked to get back on level terms from the restart and Cammy Russell was desperately close when his attempt caught the trailing boot of the home keeper which slowed down it’s passage to goal and the ball was hoofed to safety.

At the other end, the hosts were keen to double their advantage and once again it was a herculean effort from Blair Carswell to pull off another sensational stop.

Spartans made a double substitution in the 65^th minute with Ian McFarland and Sean Brown replacing Kieran Watson and Cammy Russell.

With twenty minutes left on the clock, it was all square.

A Rhys Armstrong free-kick was lofted towards the edge of the box and Mikey Allan leaped like a salmon heading up stream to out-jump the keeper to nod into the empty net.

It didn’t take long before the pendulum swung and the visitors going in front.

Whilst the Clydebank defence called for offside, Blair Henderson raced to the bye-line before cutting the ball across the box to pick out the un-marked Sam Jones who drilled low into the onion bag.

Two goals in four chaotic minutes from a Spartans side who’d found it tough to break down their West of Scotland opponents saw the Ainslie Park outfit with their noses finally in front. 

Clydebank huffed and puffed, they filed forward but gargantuan performances from Jordan Tapping, Kevin Waugh et al at the back kept the home attack at bay.  Oh, and the post too…

Calum Burns was next to come off the bench with the game entering its final five minutes replacing the Malt and Hops Man of the Match Rhys Armstrong.

Then, with the game entering injury time, Jamie Dishington put further light between the sides and ensured it was Spartans’ name heading into the big jug of balls for Sunday evening’s draw.

Some neat one touch play in midfield saw the ball played into the path of Dishington who kept his composure and slid it under the keeper and into the bottom corner causing scenes on the away bench and everyone bar Blair Carswell racing to the corner flag to join in the celebrations.

FT: Clydebank FC 1-3 The Spartans