Arthurlie 0-1 Clydebank

Arthurlie 0-1 Clydebank

West Of Scotland League (Premier Division)

Saturday 30th September 2023

Having whizzed past Dunterlie Park various times on the train over the past year whilst on the way to other grounds in Scotland, this was finally the day where I decided to alight at Barrhead and take in a game.

It’s still one of my plans this season to complete the remaining grounds I’ve not visited in the WoSFL (Premier Division) which means I’ve got trips to Kirkintolloch, Largs, St Cadoc’s (although I’ve seen Benburb there), Gartcairn, Beith and Cumnock (although I’ve seen a reserve game there) still to come at some point.

Watching Hearts B team semi-regularly (and with pretty much all their home fixtures scheduled for Friday night’s at Ainslie Park), it means I’ll always be able to get somewhere ‘new’ on a Saturday and for this weekend, Largs was another good option, albeit staying in Edinburgh plus a desire to make a day of it in Largs (and getting up late - plays a massive part) it meant that Arthurlie vs Clydebank got the nod instead.

For those who’ve never been to Dunterlie Park, I’d advise going sooner rather than later because quite how long it’ll still be around for is anyone’s guess. Despite its nostalgic feel and brilliant prime location right next to Barrhead station (less than a five-minute walk from leaving the train to being stood pitchside), as recently as summer noises were made that the land Dunterlie Park is on in being sought for other things.

Thankfully, I get the impression Arthurlie are keen to stay put and they’re certainly an exceptionally friendly and well-run club who I wish every success.

On the pitch, having been promoted to the WoSFL (Premier) at the end of the 2021/22 season, last year they had a few relegation worries and jitters before decent form towards the back end of the campaign meant they stayed up - and this season they’ve continued their ‘progress’ with an alright enough start which meant they went into this game in mid-table.

Their opponents, Clydebank, have no doubt got an eye on one day returning to the lofty heights where a lot of people will remember them - as an SPFL club. I had an enjoyable visit there a couple of years ago when they played Elgin in the cup, they’re another example of a well-run and well-supported club and that support was evident in this game as their fans turned out in pretty decent numbers with a fair few amongst what looked a 400-ish strong crowd donning red and white scarves.

If Clydebank are to climb the pyramid then it’s weekend’s like this one where they win - and their rivals at the top all dropped points, which will be huge for them and on a typically miserable autumn day, the decisive moment in the game came just past the quarter-hour mark. 

They could (and probably should) have been awarded a free-kick for a late tackle on the edge of the box; instead they got a corner and they made it count as their big No.5 was left unmarked and powered a header goalwards which was blocked, before Liam McGonigle managed to put the ball in the net with a tidy back-heel finish.

A second-goal would have eased Clydebank’s nerves because it was a very competitive game and they were slightly the better team but weren’t able to make it 2-0 - twice in the second the Arthurlie ‘keeper rushed off his line to get to the ball first and make vital interceptions and when he was tested, Tom Collins - certainly one of the Bankies’ better players, was denied as the ‘keeper got down low to thwart him.

That single-goal lead meant Clydebank had to be resilient at the other end as they sought to grind out three points and despite Arthurlie firing into the side-netting, trying to build up a head of steam as the rain fell in the second half, and squandering a free-kick from a really inviting position in the closing stages, the hosts couldn’t find a way through as it ended 1-0.

With Beith (last year’s champions and, given how they’ve begun this season, probably the favourites this time around too) dropping points for the first time this term courtesy of a 3-3 draw at St Cadoc’s, this result means Clydebank have gone top of the table (for now) and as long as they keep winning and grinding out points on a regular basis, they’ll be perfectly poised to challenge Beith if the reigning champions have any more stutters.

Whether the Bankies can win the league and then the Play-Off is a different question (still a hell of a lot of games to go and plenty) but this was a good day; three points in the bag - and others dropping points around them, and it was a pleasure to finally tick off Dunterlie Park at long last as I’ve wanted to visit here for a while.

Enjoy the photos; some good ones as the ground has so much character and nostalgia about it - and I'll see you all at another WoSFL game a few more times between now and the end of the season!