Clydebank FC are the last remaining side outside of the SPFL in the running for the KDM Evolution Trophy. Ahead of their Round of 16 tie against Queens Park, let’s take a look at how the Bankies made it this far.
The KDM Evolution, or Scottish Challenge Cup, has produced many entertaining matches and shock results so far. This is the second year of the league phase, similar to that of the new Champions League format. The competition this year was further expanded, with a whopping 40 sides taking part in the league phase.
This format gives teams from the Scottish Highland and Lowland League (East and West) the opportunity to test themselves against teams as high as SPFL League 1 in the league phase. Teams from the Scottish Championship enter the competition in the Round of 32 stage.
As the competition enters the Round of 16 stage, Clydebank FC are the only remaining representative from the Scottish Highland and Lowland leagues. They have by no means scraped by, either, and have arguably been the most impressive side in the competition so far.
League Phase
In a league phase containing teams as high up as SPFL League 1, the Bankies finished unbeaten and top of the pile.
Clydebank were one of three teams that finished the league phase without suffering defeat, with five wins and one draw in their six games. They also boasted one of the competition’s better defences – conceding just four goals in those six games.
Notable Wins
Kelty Hearts 2-4 Clydebank
In their second league phase game, Clydebank earned a deserved win away to League Two opposition in Kelty Hearts.
The Bankies came back from behind twice before ultimately overpowering their opponents in the second half.
Clydebank 4-0 Dumbarton
The first West Dunbartonshire derby in 25 years did not disappoint as Clydebank produced a stellar display to win 4-0 against their rivals in front of a sold-out Holm Park.
Neil McLaughlin and Nicky Low ran the show on a night where the Bankies could have scored even more than the four goals they managed to get.
Round of 32
Clydebank FC 1-0 Alloa Athletic
A step up in competition did not phase the Bankies in the first knockout round as they produced another brilliant performance to defeat League One Alloa Athletic.
Keir Samson got the only goal of the game in a first half dominated by the home side. Alloa Athletic rallied in the second half but could not find an equaliser as Clydebank progressed to the Round of 16.
Standout Players
Blair Rossiter
The talented winger has contributed three goals and four assists in his seven KDM Evolution Trophy games for the Bankies and has been a constant threat to every defence he has faced.
Neil Mclaughlin
The Partick Thistle academy product provides a touch of class up front for Clydebank. His four goals in six cup games have been complimented by fantastic hold-up play and passing. The forward constantly occupies the opposition centre halves and links up play for the Bankies. Neil was particularly good against Dumbarton in the West Dunbartonshire derby.
Nicky Low
A name familiar to many, Nicky Low uses every ounce of his Scottish Premiership experience to help run the midfield for Clydebank. His passing ability and in-game awareness make him a constant danger to the opposition, and the former Aberdeen man was similarly impressive in the against derby rivals Dumbarton.
Looking ahead
Clydebank are up against Scottish Championship side Queens Park in the Round of 16 on the 24th of November at Holm Park.
Will Clydebank continue to exceed expectations and progress to the quarter final? Only time will tell. Fans at Holm Park have every reason to be confident based on the performances their side have produced so far.
Regardless of whether they progress, the Bankies have had a campaign to be proud of.
All fixture information was obtained from The Bankies Archive
