Clyde come-from-behind to clinch promotion

Posted Sunday, May 19, 2019 by PA

Clyde won promotion to Ladbrokes League One after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Annan in their play-off final.

The Bully Wee, who finished second in League Two this season, won Saturday’s second leg at Broadwood 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Martin McNiff and Ally Love.

Both Love, whose decisive penalty came in the 86th minute, and McNiff are former Annan players.

Looking to quickly restore parity following Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Annan, Clyde were soon creating opportunities and only the fine goalkeeping of Alex Mitchell kept the game goalless in the first half.

Mitchell did superbly to turn away Kristoffer Syvertsen’s strike in the 23rd minute, and was also tested by David Goodwillie and the impressive Scott Banks before the break.

Christian Nade went close for Annan at the start of the second half, but Clyde were again soon on the attack, with Banks twice threatening before Mitchell produced another fine save, this time to tip over Ray Grant’s dipping effort.

Clyde were not to be denied for much longer, though, and made the breakthrough they had been searching for in the 60th minute when defender McNiff slotted in from close range.

With the aggregate scores level, the home side pushed for a winner and grabbed it four minutes from time when Love fired home from the penalty spot.