Mark Stowe’s second half free-kick was enough to separate the sides to continue The Spartans undefeated pre-season with a 1-0 win over Clydebank at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
As is customary in these warm-up contests, the Gaffer made several changes to the squad that defeated Ayr United on Tuesday night as the build up to the first competitive game of the season, the Premier Sports Cup tie against Queen’s Park.
It was the visitors who made some early running however the newly promoted Lowland League outfit were unable to turn possession into goals.
Cammy Russell looked to make the most of a slack back-pass but a quick sprint off his line by Stott between the sticks cut down the angle and Russell’s shot went agonisingly wide.
Neat play up the flank almost produced an opener when Callum Booth’s defence splitting pass found Cammy Russell who launched a cross into the box where Blair Henderson’s head connected however Owen Stott was equal to the task pulling off a fine stop.
Another header at the other end had Spartans hearts in mouths when a looping cross into the box almost evaded all but for David Syme rushing in but his nod goalwards was to sail wide in the wind.
HT: The Spartans 1-0 Clydebank
A hairy moment for the hosts ten minutes after the break saw the Spartans Trialist keeper look sharp to deal with a slightly undercooked headed return in his direction.
Cometh the hour, cometh the tradition pre-season emptying of the respective benches with the changes offering our man on the tannoy a challenge or two in collating.
Then the opener. James Craigen found himself on the end of a high boot from a Clydebank Trialist who looked kinda familiar round these shores and a free-kick was in order. Mark Stowe’s delightful execution of the dead ball saw him curl round the wall and beat the sprawling keeper at his inside post.
Another pair of fine stops by the man between the Spartans sticks continued to keep the Clydebank attack at bay, with Neil McLaughlin frustrated by the stopper.
Mark Stowe had one final chance to double the lead near the death however his attempt couldn’t trouble Stott this time.
FT: The Spartans 1-0 Clydebank
