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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

Clyde talking points as they boost bid to retain league status

Clyde were only promoted to League One last season and it looks like they've just about done enough to ensure their status for another year.

David Goodwillie and John Rankin struck to sink Dumbarton and earn all three points for the Bully Wee.

Here's a look at some of the talking points after another big result at Broadwood.

Huge strides towards safety

Match winner Ally Love (L) and manager Danny Lennon celebrate after Clyde are promoted to Ladbrokes League One last season (SNS Group)

Saturday's win was Clyde's third on the spin and puts them 10 points clear of the drop zone with eight games remaining.

Following up last week's win over Falkirk and Tuesday's victory over Montrose with success against an in-form Dumbarton side, Lennon's men have turned their season around in the space of a week.

There's enough quality and experience in the squad from back to front to ensure League One status. From goalkeeper David Mitchell and defenders like Tom Lang, to Ray Grant and Chris McStay commanding the midfield, as well as the guile of Goodwillie and Ally Love up front, this is a team packed with quality at this level.

They have all produced when their side needed them and this has been a pivotal week in Clyde's season.

Rankin returns to form

John Rankin in action for Clyde, right (Stirling Observer)

John Rankin has been through injury hell, requiring two operations to solve a troublesome ankle problem, but his clinching goal against Dumbarton meant the world to the veteran midfielder.

He was booked for his celebrations, but it was a release of sheer joy as netted his first goal since April last year.

He has made seven substitute appearances in his eight Clyde outings since he returned from injury in January. But he's found his scoring touch at the perfect time for Clyde and will now be keen to kick on in the eight remaining games and, perhaps, look ahead to another season in League One with the Bully Wee.

Can Clyde keep Goodwillie?

Goodwillie was on target for Clyde once again (SNS Group)

Another Clyde victory, another great performance from David Goodwillie.

That's 25 goals in all competitions for the former Dundee United striker and you would bet against him smashing the 30-goal barrier before the campaign is out. He also teed up Rankin for the clincher after running rings round the Sons defence for the opening goal.

Despite the baggage he brings, there are plenty of clubs at a higher level crying out for a striker of Goodwillie's quality and goals return.

He did sign a new deal in Janaury to keep him at Broadwood until 2023, but Gooodwillie has been on the radar of a few clubs and his displays this season could make for a nervy summer for the Bully Wee fans

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