Clyde1
Kilmarnock 2
KILMARNOCK required extra time, a large slice of good fortune, and a timely intervention from the man who, along with Harry Houdini, has patented the escape act, Ally McCoist, to overcome the stern challenge of first division newcomers Clyde in the second round of the CIS Cup at Broadwood last night.
The Rugby Parkers looked down and out after Clyde took the lead after 108 minutes when Andy Kane pounced on a mistake inside the box, but within five minutes the Ayrshire side equalised, French defender Fred Dindeleux heading home a McCoist cross.
A minute later, McCoist gratefully accepted the lifeline when he was on hand to head home a cross from Gus MacPherson.
It was a cruel blow to the plucky Clyde, who more than deserved a victory that would have consigned Killie to their fifth cup exit to lower-league opposition in the last six tournaments.
McCoist was clearly overjoyed at the continuation of his fairytale career but admitted his side were given a major fright. ''We were really up against it. They are a good side who work really hard for each other and that's why they are top of the first division. But even after going a goal down we didn't bottle it and that shows the character of our team.''
The winner was McCoist's first goal of the season and while he is in the twilight of his career - he will retire at of this campaign - his appetite for goals remains insatiable. ''That goal gave me as much pleasure as any of the ones I have scored. I am thrilled to bits because nobody loves scoring more than me and hopefully I will be able to get a few more this season,'' he said.
His manager, Bobby Williamson, was a relieved man: ''I was very impressed by Clyde and there was very little between the two teams,'' he said. ''I didn't expect it to be easy but I didn't expect extra time either. I was delighted with the way we fought back.''
Stunned Clyde manager Alan Maitland insisted the match against Premier League opposition, irrespective of the result, was a steep learning curve for his inexperienced squad.
''They have come a long way in a short space of time and when Kane scored I honestly thought we were going to win.''
The Bully Wee demonstrated that they have more in their armoury than mere machismo and they proved their readiness for battle against a side forced into a late change when injury prevented Gordon Marshall from taking his place between the posts. His omission provided a chance for long-serving local lad Colin Meldrum.
Frenchman Jerome Vareille was also granted a starting slot, ahead of McCoist, with summer signing Craig Dargo missing, but it was the home side who showed the greater willingness to attack.
Proudlock's power and perseverance almost produced an early opener but the Englishman shot over. Jack Ross then sent Proudlock clear with a delicate chip but his shot was smothered by Meldrum.
Killie's only attacking outlet - the rejuvenated Andy McLaren - worked manfully down the left flank but without much assistance. Tired of his inactivity, he wandered to the opposite end of the field and found Gary Holt, who in turn clipped a cross into the box that Bryan Smith poked clear as Vareille prepared to prod the ball home.
Clyde's determination almost paid dividends after 22 minutes when a defensive blunder allowed Allan Grant to bear in on goal with only Meldrum in his way. However, his composure deserted him.
The impetus did not desert the Bully Wee after the interval, with captain Pat Keogh whacking a
30-year shot past a post.
In times of trouble, who better to call upon than McCoist, and so it proved for Kilmarnock as the game proceeded to extra time.
CLYDE - Halliwell, Murray, McLaughlin, Smith, Cranmer, Ross, Mitchell, Henderson, Proudlock, Keogh, Grant. Substitutes - Greer, McPherson, Sellars, Kane, Hanley.
KILMARNOCK - Meldrum, McPherson, Baker, Dindeleux, Hessey, Mahood, Holt, McLaren, Mitchell, Vareille, Wright. Substitutes - McCoist, Canero, Fowler, Hay, Smith.
Referee - R Orr.
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