Chilling match in Hinds' sight

Clyde Ayr United 0 Clyde 1

AS a spectacle, this wasn't one. Ayr stumbled to defeat in their first home game of the New Year, lending substance to accusations of their shocking inconsistency.

Clyde were the stronger side and deserved the points but were far from dazzling. They simply adapted to the conditions better and have now crept up on Ayr, who remain third and this season will go no higher.

With ferocious Ayrshire winds swirling around Somerset Park expectations of a stylish, thrilling encounter were low. The opening 28 minutes were distressing and a perfect advertisment for summer football. One opportunity arose, James Grady turning his marker exquisitely only to be denied by Simon Mensing's last gasp tackle.

As hosts, Ayr should have charged at their guests but their inability to control the ball or even execute the simplest of passes disheartened the bitterly cold home support. Their side gifted the lead on 29 minutes, when a Brian Carrigan corner was nodded past a clutter of defenders by Leigh Hinds.

Carrigan, reunited with Clyde following a turbulent spell with Stockport County, looked a class act on the rare occasions he had possession. He netted 26 goals in the 99/2000 season to secure promotion for Allan Maitland's outfit before heading south for (pounds) 125,000. Clyde kept their lead at half time thanks to Grady, who ballooned a great chance to level well over.

Gordon Dalziel certainly would have roasted his players during the interval. Within two minutes Paul Sheerin crossed well from a free kick and Eddy Annand registered his side's first attempt on goal, his header was clutched by visiting goalkeeper Bryn Haliwell.

This was hardly the best preparation for Dunfermline's visit to Somerset Park next Saturday in the Scottish Cup. There was a brief bombardment of the visitor's goal before the hour, but no penetration. Then Carrigan and Jamie Mitchell linked well, with the latter's shot firing just over the bar.

Boredom descended once again as the match drivelled towards the conclusion. Neither keeper was really tested despite Carrigan's best efforts. His forays down the right wing must have induced palpitations in the home dugout, even though his fellow forward failed to read his creative crosses.

It was the unlikeliest of predators, defender John Hughes, who almost levelled at the death - but his driven shot battered off the crossbar.

Copyright 2002
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