Clydebank manager Gordon Moffat praised the travelling support for sticking by his side as they roared the Bankies into the third round of the Scottish Cup.
Second-half goals from Oisin McHugh, Matt Niven and Nicky Little earned the Holm Park side a 3-0 win against Highland League outfit Keith at Kynoch Park.
The reward for the victory is a home clash with reigning Highland League champions Buckie Thistle in round three at the end of November.
Moff’s side had to be patient to get up and running but he was delighted to see their hard work on the training ground pay off with McHugh and Niven netting from set pieces.
Speaking to the Post, he said: “The main thing with it being such a big game was getting through to the next round.
“The conditions were difficult on the day with a strong wind making it tough for both teams and the surface wasn’t great in terms of how we want to play but you need to get on with it.
“It took us a while to adapt to the conditions and surroundings but when we done that in the second-half we were well in control of the game and once we scored the confidence grew and we were fully deserving of going through.
“At half time it would have been easy for me to rant and rave but we were composed and we spoke in detail about things that we weren’t doing very well but there was no panic.
“It’s two weeks in a row when we haven’t conceded a shot on target so there’s zero chance of conceding goal if that happens and the defence and goalkeeper deserve credit for that.
“We spent a good 30 minutes at training on Thursday going through corners because I felt that going to a tricky venue then it could have been a set play that gets us back in the game or gets us off and running so credit to the boys for going through because it’s not the most exciting thing as a player.
“We travelled by train on Friday and we seen one or two fans making their way up already then and I think some of them made a weekend of it.
“I’m delighted for them because I appreciate what a big commitment it is to get up there and take time off work and everything that goes with it.
“From the minute they started to come into the ground we could hear them and in the first half when it wasn’t going the way they wanted they sang all the way through and stuck with us.
“They got their rewards with three goals to cheer which is great because they travelled a long way and deserve to see a few goals.”
Clydebank will host Buckie on the weekend of November 30 for a spot in round four – where the Premiership clubs enter the competition – as they look to repeat the heroics of the 2021/22 season.
The reigning Highland League champions haven’t had the start to the season they would have hoped for after losing some big names over the summer as well as their manager.
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For Moff, that doesn’t mean his side can start dreaming of a trip to the likes of Parkhead or Ibrox just yet.
He said: “The first thing you’re looking for is a home game because regardless who we are playing I’m always happy with that.
“People will look at Buckie’s league position just now and think it’s a really favourable tie for us but they are the champions of that division.
“They would say themselves that they haven’t started the season the way they would have wanted but they’ve got the nucleus of their championship winning team despite losing one or two as well as their manager.
“It’s a tough tie for us but it will be for them as well and it has the makings of a good cup tie.”
Clydebank are in West of Scotland Cup action this weekend as they take on Second Division Whitletts Victoria on Saturday. Kick-off at New Voluntary Park in the second round clash is
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