Irvine Meadow boss Colin Spence heaped praise on Callum Graham after the striker hit a first-half hat trick to blow Clydebank away on Saturday.
Graham continued his scoring start in the West of Scotland League Premier DIvision with three fine finishes that put Medda on course for a 3-2 victory at Holm Park.
His goals proved enough to see off a brave comeback bid by the hosts in a second half that included six minutes of nerve-jangling injury time.
Spence was quick to hail Graham’s contribution but also insisted the former Ashfield frontman’s performance was a reflection of his team-mates effort and attitude after losing to Kilwinning on the opening day of the season.
He said: “Callum was top notch. I don’t think he knew how hard he’d have to work when he first came here but he’s slowly added more to his game.
“He was absolutely lethal and a real handful all day for Clydebank’s defence.
“I actually sensed a real determination from the boys to come here and get a result. I think they felt they’d let themselves down last week against Kilwinning.
“It was a brilliant team performance.”
Meadow had to survive some early pressure from the Bankies but two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half gave them a crucial cushion.
The breakthrough came in 25 minutes when Graham tapped home at the back post after Bankies goalkeeper Jamie Donnelly could only parry Kieran Boubekri’s curing effort.
The celebrations had barely died down when Conor O’Donnell pick-pocketed home defender Matt Niven, found Graham in the left side of the penalty box and the striker sent a cool, low finish across Donnelly and into the corner of the net.
Clydebank tried to rally but simply couldn’t cope with Meadow’s high energy attacks and it was no surprise when Graham completed his treble four minutes before the interval, latching on to a long ball and nonchalantly lobbing Donnelly.
Bankies pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in 53 minutes, Jamie Darroch beating Marc Waters from 12 yards after the keeper brought down Lee Gallagher in the box.
The hosts then set up an interesting final 10 minutes when Josh Weir finished off a slick move to make it 3-2.
Meadow - who conceded a 96th minute equaliser at Holm Park last season - managed the closing stages well including yet another six minutes of injury time to pick up a fantastic three points on the road and kick-start their league campaign.
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