Roofer ross aims to help Clyde to the top

CLYDE defender Ross McMillan is used to scaling heights in his job as a roofer and now hopes to help Clyde to the top of the third division.

However, he knows the Bully Wee can't afford to be throwing away two goal leads if they are to be serious championship contenders.

Two goals from Marc McCusker appeared to have put Clyde on easy street as they opened their league campaign against Stranraer, but a mistake by goalkeeper JC Hutchison allowed Stranraer to hit back who then went on to grab a second half equaliser.

McMillan (27) said: "At 2-0 we were comfortable but unfortunately a mistake by the goalkeeper allowed them to come back into it and that sparked them into life.

"It was very warm out on the pitch and we've had a lot of games recently but we can't afford to be letting two goal leads slip.

"However, while it would have been nice to take all three points it is a long season and we just need to continue the hard work to ensure we get the results we deserve."

This is McMillan's second go at senior football having started his career at Clydebank before building a fine reputation in the juniors with Renfrew, Greenock and Largs, and even turned down the chance of first division football to join Clyde.

He said: "I had the chance to go for a trail at Morton but Stuart Millar showed me round and I was very impressed with the set up and it also allowed me to continue my job as a roofer."

Having disposed of first division Cowdenbeath in the Co-operative Insurance Cup last week Clyde were on a high for the visit of Stranraer.

Indeed they could scarcely have started much better as they took the lead in ten minutes.

Neil McGowan floated the ball to the edge of the box, McMillan headed on and although Bryan Dingwall's overhead kick contrived to hit both posts McCusker was on hand to tuck in the rebound.

Things got even better on 25 minutes as Glen Mitchell failed to deal with Connor Stevenson's long ball and McCusker muscled in to beat David Mitchell.

However, at this point Clyde appeared to take the foot off the gas and Stranraer gave the first indication they weren't quite finished as Danny Mitchell's header hit the bar.

McCusker should have had a hat-trick as he was clean through on David Mitchell but the keeper did well, but two minutes from the break his opposite number did anything but.

Hutchison dithered at a clearance which allowed Sean Winter to win the ball and Craig Malcolm had the simple job and putting the ball in the net.

Right on half-time Glen Mitchell appeared to catch McCusker in the midriff with a karate kick but referee John Beaton saw no infringement and only awarded the bemused Clyde players a thrown in.

Clyde started the second half incredibly flat and it was little surprise on 64 minutes when Stranraer equalised.

This time is was Malcolm acting as provider as his cross from the left was slotted in by Winter.

Millar sent on John Stewart for Dingwall and the former Aberdeen player had the chance to win it as a clever Adam Strachan chip allowed him behind the defence but David Mitchell stood up well to the shot.

On Friday Clyde were drawn against Dunfermline Athletic in the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup and travel to East End Park on Tuesday, August 24.

CLYDE: Hutchison, Park, McGowan, McMillan, Henderson, Stevenson, Finlayson, McCusker, Dingwall (Stewart 67), Sweeney, Strachan. Subs not used: Girvan, Gray, Sawyers, Allan.

STRANRAER: Dav Mitchell, Gallagher, Sharp, Nicoll, G. Mitchell, Agnew, Winter, Dan Mitchell, Moore (One 68), Malcolm, Noble (McColm 68). Subs not used: Bouadji, McInnes, Marshall.

Referee: John Beaton.

Attendance: 827.

News & Chronicle Man of the Match: Ross McMillan.