Clydebank manager Gordon Moffat admits Christmas came early for him as he secured the signing of Craig Truesdale.

The 23-year-old made an immediate impact with his new side on Saturday, having a big hand in two of the goals as Bankies won 3-2 at Glenafton Athletic – before seeing red in added time at the end of the second period.

Callum Graham poked home the opener after just five minutes only for Michael Moffat to score a penalty in the opening stages of the second-half.

The teams weren’t level for long with Truesdale, introduced at the interval, picking out Ciaran Mulcahy at the back post to put the visitors ahead for a second time.

Glen’s levelled on 81 minutes through Luke McBeth and it looked like it would be a frustrating afternoon at Loch Park for Clydebank, only for Truesalde to cut the hosts defence in two and slide in Adam Hodge who played the ball across goal for Mulcahy to slam into the net at the second attempt.

Truesdale was then shown his second yellow card at the end of the game in a lively debut for the club after he signed for the Holm Park side from East Kilbride on Thursday, penning a deal until 2026.

Moff had to switch things up at the break to introduce Truesdale but was pleased to see his tactical decision pay off.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “We tweaked the shape on Saturday and got our nose in front as a result but they got a foothold in the game after that so we changed it again at half-time.

“When you’re going into the interval 1-0 up but then completely change the shape at half-time it is a bit of a gamble, but I did think it was the right call to make.

“My backroom staff and I had a good debate on it before we made the change but it gave us more of a solid structure because we knew we were going to come under a bit of pressure.

“We made a couple of mistakes for their goals but the guys showed brilliant character to peg them back straight away on both occasions and get out of there with three points.

“It wasn’t as clear cut as we would have liked but it’s all about getting the points on the board.

“Craig had a really positive debut despite the late red card – outwith the goals there was some lovely touches and nutmegs and that wee bit of creativity.

“The first one he set up was an incredible cross and the second one showed the composure to wait on the right movement before getting in behind. It was a good wee glimpse of what he will bring.

“We tried to get him in a couple of seasons ago.

“He’s only 23 but has a lot of experience at this level and he can play in the wide areas as well as through the middle. He’s got a good turn of pace, composure and obviously his technical ability.

“He was a really good fit for us so when that came up we got it done quickly which was good.”

There’s no competitive action for Clydebank this weekend but there is a festive friendly with Petershill at Holm Park on Saturday.

The players will enjoy some time off over the Festive period but Moff insists they can’t afford to take their off their final game of 2023 when Largs Thistle visit on December 30.

He explained: “We had given the players their schedule at the start of December so they know where they stand – they are part-time at the end of the day so they want to plan things.

“We only have them in on Thursday this week and we have a friendly on Saturday and next week they will be off on Boxing Day before training on Thursday and Largs on Saturday.

“Their days off are well earned but we want them to stay at a level and we know the Largs game is on the horizon so we need to be ready for that.

“The game on Saturday will be useful and get some minutes amongst the squad so there will still be plenty of work and the guys will still be doing their own thing on the Tuesday’s off.”