United needed to improve on their first half performance and their players came flying out of the traps in the second half, and were almost instantly rewarded.

Just two minutes into the second half Smith scooped a high ball into the box, when McGuire allowed the ball to slip through his hands as he jumped for it. The ball fell to Marcus Boyce, who couldn't have missed as he prodded the ball into the empty net from a few yards out.

United were buoyed by their equaliser and started to apply some heavy pressure to the Clydebank defence, who looked a little rattled after the goal.

Airdire United sub Ross Dunbar then came very close for the hosts after a mazy run down the right wing left him with a sight at goal. Dunbar struck a low shot towards the bottom right corner, forcing McGuire into a good save before the ball was knocked behind for a corner.

Then followed a moment of madness from United keeper Sharkey. Fleming broke free of the Airdrie defence and burst into the box, only for Sharkey to shepherd Fleming away from goal towards the touchline on the right wing. Sharkey ended up chasing Fleming until he was outside his box and was helpless to prevent Fleming's floating shot towards the goal. Much to the keeper's relief, Fleming's shot sailed over the bar.

Clydebank's Brendan Price had the next chance of the game with a looping header from about 13 yards, but Sharkey easily saved.

A long free kick from Airdire then saw the ball floated into the box when McGuire flapped at the ball and missed it, only for the defence to clear. The sun was clearly causing problems for the Clydebank keeper as it shone brightly in his line of sight.

Airdire were enjoying most of the ball at this point as Clydebank struggled to get out from their own half. A rare chance fell to Joe Slee after Jordan Hay broke through the defence, only to be denied by Sharkey. The ball then dropped to the feet of Slee at the edge of the box but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Slee wouldn't have to wait long for another opportunity however, and gave Clydebank the lead just two minutes later. The striker - who started the game in midfield - received the ball on the left wing, and after a good run fired a powerful low shot from distance towards the near post. Sharkey was beaten, and a delighted Slee sprinted towards his manager's dugout, mobbed by his teammates.

The next chance of the game fell to Clydebank's Hay from a free kick. Hay won the free kick initially after a stray backpass from the Airdrie United defence resulted in the midfielder being brought down just outside the corner of the box. Hay fired a left-footed shot over the opposition wall, but the shot was too high and ended up over the bar.

Clydebank substitute Abdul Yusuf then sealed the win for the Bankies with a third goal in stoppage time. The forward struck a brilliant shot from around 20 yards out on the left wing after cutting inside, which curled magnificently into the far post.

The Clydebank players and management were delighted with Yusuf's impact and could breathe a sigh of relief as the game was now surely beyond the reach of Airdie United.

The Bankies continued to hit United on the counter as the Diamonds pressed for a goal, but the day's scoring was done. Referee Mark Crawford soon blew the final whistle, resulting in ecstatic celebrations from the Clydebank players, coaching staff and fans.