Competition: SPFL League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final

2018/19

Clyde vs Edinburgh City

In front of a bumper crowd of 1204, it was advantage Clyde coming into today’s game, following the Bully Wee’s 1-0 victory on Tuesday night. Sadly it was an advantage that never really looked under threat despite a bright period of possession for City in the first ten minutes of the match. Clyde quickly settled and it was the lively Syvertsen who once again found the back of the net, having been set up by David Goodwillie’s cut back, which on another day would have been emptied into row Z by the City defence.

The goal settled any nerves that Clyde may have had and seemed to knock the stuffing out of City, who were hanging on for spells with the hosts passing up a number of excellent chances to extend their advantage. The sum total of City’s efforts in the first half was a speculative left foot drive from skipper Josh Walker which drifted harmlessly wide.

In a week where improbably comebacks were all the rage, any hope of a similar blockbuster afternoon were effectively over three minutes into the second half when the ever-impressive Goodwillie set up Ally Love to slot home and double Clyde’s advantage. More one-way traffic followed and it was no surprise when just before the hour mark, Lamont’s free kick from near the corner flag was headed in by Goodwillie to absolutely kill the match.

The last half hour really had an end of season feel about, Clyde could have added to their advantage but took off their main players Grant, Syvertsen and the superb Goodwillie no doubt to keep them fresh for the play-off final with Annan Athletic next week. City’s second shot on goal came in almost the 90th minute when Ciaran Diver shot high and wide.

It was one of those afternoons where City could probably have played all night and not scored, the best thing we could say is that it just didn’t happen for us. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to be disappointed with the defeat, but the transformation of the club over the last year has been nothing short of sensational and the management and playing staff must take huge credit for what has been a great season. A highest-ever league finish and the semi-final of a national cup competition are highlights and it’s a sign of where the club are now that we are disappointed not gaining promotion.

MAN OF THE MATCH: MARC LAIRD
vs

Edinburgh City vs Clyde

It’s advantage Clyde League Two promotion play-off semi-final as they left Ainslie Park with a 1-0 first leg win over Edinburgh City.

James McDonaugh’s team will be wondering how they after they hit the woodwork three times during the 90 minutes, twice during the second half.

It’s hard to argue that the absence of SPFL top scorer Blair Henderson was keenly felt by the hosts.

Conrad Balatoni was inches away from giving City an early lead when he thumped a header against the cross bar.

Clyde made no mistake at the other end when David Goodwillie burst down the left and cut inside before teeing up Kristoffer Syversten, who drilled low past Antell to open th scoring.

City contrived to miss a great chance to equalise after the break. Josh Walker’s swerving drive was poorly dealt with by Currie, who palmed the ball straight to Scott Shepherd, but he couldn’t keep his volley down and hit the bar with an open goal in front of him.

They though they were about to level again late on when Marc Laird’s through ball put Shepherd in. he beat Currie at his near post, only for the ball to hit the outside of the upright.

Match Report courtesy of www.edinburghlive.co.uk

vs