McBookie Premiership

CLYDEBANK 3

IRVINE MEADOW 0

TOP flight newcomers Meadow suffered a disappointing opening home defeat against a Bankies side who rallied last season following a disappointing start.

Newly-promoted Meadow began on the front foot, with their direct approach causing the Bankies back line a few problems. The hosts had the first real chance of the game after just three minutes when a cross to the back post was volleyed by McLaughlin, but his effort hit Smith and was deflected wide.

Just after the half hour, Bankies went in front. On his return to the starting eleven, Jordan Shelvey burst down the left channel after a defensive mix up on the half way line, with last season’s top scorer rolling the ball across the six yard box for Cammy McClair to slam in at the back post.

Meadow were left incensed just after the restart when Bankies captain Alan Vezza was shown a yellow card for an alleged flailing arm in a challenge with new signing Ciaron Smith, with the hosts protestations for a straight red card being waved away by referee Ross Hardie.

Ten minutes later, Bankies doubled their lead. Adam Asghar’s throw was flicked on by the head of Jordan Shelvey into the path of Sean Higgins and the experienced forward slipped the ball into McClair for the second time, and he netted his fourth goal in as many games.

The visitors were now in full control of proceedings and could have extended their lead when Nicky Little forced a fingertip save from White after he tried to lob him, with McClair also unlucky not to grab a hat-trick when he burst through once again but this time dragged his shot wide.

Former Bankie Reece Pearson then went close to pulling a goal back against his old side, with the midfielder’s skewed cross crashed off the bar and Waters beaten all ends up.

But with 15 minutes remaining, the visitors sealed the win. Former Wolves and Bristol City man McIndoe made his debut and his lofted through pass was perfect for Shelvey, who took a touch before lifting the ball over goalie Mikey White.

IRVINE MEADOW: White; McLennan, Willet, Gow, Miller, Carnwath, Carson, Devlin,