Musselburgh Athletic vs Clydebank

Musselburgh Athletic held firm for 35 minutes after falling behind, but Samson's goal on the stroke of half-time was a hammer blow. Conceding a second goal just before the interval, from a defensive error no less, effectively ended the contest and allowed Clydebank to cruise through the second half.

Gordon Moffat's side made five changes on the hour mark — introducing fresh legs while preserving the intensity — and the substitutes made an immediate impact when Niven scored within a minute of entering the fray.

Blair Rossiter – The new signing was the standout performer. He scored the opener, provided the assist for McHugh's goal, and looked sharp throughout. The Clydebank archive described him as "a stick-out" on his debut.

Keir Samson – Took his goal well on the stroke of half-time to give the Bankies breathing room. His movement caused problems all afternoon.

Lancelot Pollard – Given a rare start after spending most of last season sidelined through injury, the former Aberdeen and Rangers youth prospect showed the touch and skill that earned him his reputation. Described in the match report as having "off the scale" ability.

Aidan Callaghan – Another debutant who impressed, providing the assist for Rossiter's opener and linking up well in the final third.

The 4-0 scoreline flattered neither side. Clydebank were dominant from the first whistle and could have added more goals in the second half had they maintained full intensity. The possession stats, were they available, would almost certainly show a heavy Bankies bias — the match report notes "a fluent look about the passing and movement."

Musselburgh managed no goals and, based on the report, limited clear-cut chances. Their only booking went to Callum Donaldson. Clydebank, meanwhile, spread the goals across four different scorers — Rossiter, Samson, McHugh and Niven — highlighting the depth of attacking options available to the management team.

This was Clydebank's first proper pre-season friendly, following earlier training matches. The club's pre-season schedule also includes fixtures against Hamilton Academical, Broxburn Athletic and Irvine Meadow ahead of the Lowland League West campaign, which begins at home to Newton Stewart on Saturday 25 July.

Musselburgh Athletic, who play in the Lowland League East, continue their own preparations with three weeks until their season starts. The 4-0 defeat suggests they have work to do, though the club's social media noted the match provided "much needed minutes in the legs" for the squad.

For Clydebank, the challenge for manager Gordon Moffat — who was absent from the dugout on Saturday — is now finding minutes for his deep squad, particularly in attack. The 4-0 win was achieved without top-scorer Neil McLaughlin, Jimmy Grant, Owen Stott and Chris McGowan, all of whom were absent.

A one-sided demolition that could have been even more emphatic. Clydebank's new signings settled immediately, the attacking fluidity was impressive for a first pre-season outing, and the depth of the squad is evident. Musselburgh have ground to make up before the competitive season begins. The pre-season friendly between these two next carries significance as a marker of how far each side has progressed since their play-off meetings.