Sparkling Clyde take the shine out of Diamonds

Published on Saturday 18 April 2009 20:05

Clyde 3 (Waddell 5; MacLennan 61, 74) Airdrie United 0

CLYDE threw themselves a relegation lifeline and plunged Airdrie's First Division survival back into doubt with a comprehensive win.

The Cumbernauld side, in celebratory mood after securing their Broadwood future, showed greater desire and took control as early as the fifth minute.

Gregory Tade's persistence on the byeline paid off when he wriggled free before picking out Ricky Waddell for a simple tap-in from a couple of yards.

It was a wake-up call which the dozy Diamonds failed to heed with the Bully Wee continuing to look far livelier.

Stephen Robertson came to his side's rescue with a superb reflex save that diverted Alan Trouten's netbound shot over the bar.

The Diamonds had their first serious shot on goal early in the second half when David Nixon's shot was smothered on the line by David Hutton. Clyde had a further let-off when Mark Brown's attempted clearance slid inches wide of the unguarded net.

Hutton performed heroics to touch Baird's 20-yard volley on to the bar as Clyde desperately defended their lead.

David Winters and McLaren then combined for Ruari MacLennan to rifle home a left foot shot from 16 yards.

And the Bully Wee substitute sealed the win when he pounced on a dreadful error by Robertson to shoot home from close range and move Clyde within a point of their rivals.