THE proposed merging of Clydebank and Livingston may not be welcomed by the respective supporters, but the Bankies' striker, Stephen Docherty (above right), suggested yesterday that the move would be a positive step.

Speaking after picking up a #5000 cheque from Green Flag for the fastest goal in Britain this season, along with Hawick's Keith Suddon, who picked up the cash for fastest try, Docherty admitted that the news came as a shock but added that it could prove to be beneficial.

''I don't know the ins and outs of it, but if both of us coming together makes us stronger then I think it will be a positive move,'' he said. ''The fans aren't approving of anything other than staying in Clydebank, though, so I don't know how they'll take to it.''

Bringing both sets of players together means some will be made available for transfer, but Docherty does not see the merger as an immediate threat. He said: ''Livingston have released a lot of their players, but, anyway, I'm still under contract with Clydebank, so I should be okay.''

The former Thistle striker's goal after just 10 seconds came in October against Forfar and his #5000 prize ''will go towards a new car - and a holiday for my mum and dad''.

Suddon's try, after only 20 seconds, was against Melrose in April and the winger recalled: ''Ironically, it was my first game as a winger for Hawick. Brian Weir ran the length of the pitch and passed it to me with 25 yards to go to score. I have a four-month old son, so the money will come in handy for one or two toys.''