Having lost twice to Clydeside last season, Glasgow Island were out for revenge at Firhill against a physical team who looked dangerous on the break.

MATCH REPORT

An early goal was crucial, and it duly arrived on ten minutes, Anton creating space for a low shot from the edge of the box which just evaded the Clydeside goalkeeper. 1-0 Islands

Robbie Mackenzie almost extended the lead, latching onto a reverse pass from Robin, but the Clydeside keeper, who had an excellent game, saved well. With the islanders piling on the pressure, a long ball from the Clydeside centre half left Calum Maclennan exposed 2 on 1 and the centre forward dinked the ball home for the equaliser. 1-1 !!!!!

The game reverted to form, GI dominating possession and creating several chances before Robin delivered a sumptuous in-swinging cross that was begging to be headed home, Crawford obliging with a powerful finish. 2-1 Islands !!!!!

Moments later, the goal of the game, Archie, Anton and Zander combining down the left flank, allowing Anton to smash home a beauty. 3-1 to the islanders and half an hour played.

Danny had a goal disallowed after the ball struck his arm as he bundled it home, a tremendous spot by the referee with no complaints from the flying GI winger.

The game could have been over by halftime but the Clydeside goalie did well to claw out a header from the omnipresent Robin to keep his team in the match.

HT – Glasgow Island 3 Clydeside Athletic 1

Shots from Anton (after an exquisite reverse pass from Crawford) and Archie (getting onto a cross from Robin) were well saved before a fourth goal arrived.

Manager Murdo John had stressed the danger that cutbacks posed during his halftime team talk, and on the hour Robin followed his instructions to the letter, cutting back invitingly for Zander to prod home. 4-1 !!!!

A few minutes later it was five, the same approach working a treat as Crawford leathered home an Archie cutback. 5-1 !!!!

Tremendous management from MJ, who was able to see the game out with some good substitute cameos off a very strong bench.

Archie’s performance deserved at least a goal, but he was thwarted firstly by the bar – his shot from 25 yards rattling off the woodwork – and then another superb save by the keeper after an audacious lob from a narrow angle which was creeping into the far corner.

The ref, who it must be said had a good game and let the action flow, blew for full time shortly after to leave Glasgow Island walking away from Firhill with three points,

FT – Glasgow Islands 5 Clydeside Athletic 1