Match Report

Annan suffered their second defeat in 4 days at the hands of The Bully Wee on Tuesday evening at Broadwood Stadium with the only goal of the game coming late on in the first half after Clyde had 2 players, Scott McLaughlin and Scott Ferguson carried off the park with what appeared to be serious injuries. The defeat sees Annan fall out of the play off zone with their place in the top four being taken by the in form East Fife who followed up their victory over Annan with a 5-3 mid week victory at Elgin City.

Clyde put the Annan defence under a lot of pressure in the opening 10 minutes forcing 3 corners. Clyde lost Scott McLaughlin in the 15th minute when he appeared to fall awkwardly. It was Annan who almost opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Steven Blacks free kick was powerfully headed by Rabin Omar with keeper Alan Martin tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick. Andrew Mitchell then swung in an inviting fee kick which Mark McLaughlin pushed for a corner.
Black was then booked for a challenge on Scott McLuaghlin who had to be carried off with an arm injury. Annan had keeper Jordan Hart to thank for a wonderful save when he tipped Mark McLaughlin’s header on to the cross bar. As half time approached Clyde were on the offensive and David Marsh’s header from Mark Roberts corner kick flashed past the post. It was Roberts however who opened the scoring when he headed Paul Slane’s header into the corner of the net from 8 yards in the dying minutes of the half.
The second half produced few moments of inspiration. Mark Roberts missed an opportunity in the 69th minute when the ball fell kindly for him at the back post, minutes later Annan were awarded a free kick but Martin McNiff fell into an offside position. Annan introduced Mackay and Dickinson up front in an effort to grab something form the game but it was Clyde who came closest to scoring when Keigan Parker’s lob struck the cross bar and Scott Durie followed that up with a good effort which struck the outside of post.
Annan’s best opportunity came in the 84th minute when Peter Watson headed narrowly past the post from the six yard box. Steven Logan’s surging run in the 88th minute was stopped 24 yards out but the resulting Andrew Mitchell free kick failed to hit the target.
The victory extends Clyde’s unbeaten run and pushes them within 4 points of Annan with a game in hand. Annan look to have lost the initiative and it will take a real turn in fortune if they are to have any chance of a place in the play off zone. Annan’s home form has been good but away from Galabank they have only recorded 2 away victories , both against East Stirling. It is a must win day for Annan on Saturday when they entertain top of the table Albion Rovers .

CLYDE. Alan Martin, Scott Durie, Gerard Traynor, Mark McLaughlin (Ross Fisher 79 min), David Marsh,Hugh Murray, Scott Ferguson (Brian McQueen 30 min), Scott McLaughlin ( Stephen O’Donnell 15 min), Keigan Parker, Mark Roberts, Paul Slane. Substitutes not used Jamie Barclay, Steven McDougal, David Gray.

Goals- Roberts (45)

ANNAN ATHLETIC: Jordan Hart, Iain Chisholm, Steven Sloan (Kenny MacKay 61 min), Martin McNiff, Peter Watson, Steven Black, Andy Mitchell , Steven Logan, Peter Weatherson (Chris Dickinson 73 min) , Josh Todd ,Rabin Omar( Jack Breslin 85 min). Subs not used Alex Mitchell GK, Callum Cook, Jordan Brown, Dan Wadge.

REFEREE: Mike Roncone​​Assistants Frank Connor and David Burns Attendance 605