HUNGER and unrelenting commitment were the hallmarks of Clyde boss John Brown's playing career.

And last night's vital 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Irn-Bru First Division play-off Final with Airdrie United is proof he has infused his team with the same qualities.

But, with away goals not counting in the SFL end-of- season shoot-out, the advantage Clyde have secured for Saturday's second leg at Broadwood is far from decisive.

And today Bomber warned his side the tie is only at the halfway stage - and that the Diamonds are more than capable of turning the tide.

He rapped: "It is only half-time.

"You just have to look at what happened with Alloa when they came to our place after winning by a goal and lost out to realise that.

"But we are delighted to be taking a one-goal advantage back to Broadwood, but nothing has been decided at this stage."

The Clyde boss added: "When you consider we lost five goals over two legs against Alloa, we have got to be pleased with this result. We defended well, but there is still work to be done."

Yet, with Gretna reported to be anything between £3million and £9million in debt, it could well be that both these teams will be plying their trade in the First Division next term.

The announcement by Airdrie chief Jim Ballantyne before last night's tie that the Diamonds will be staying full-time next term, regardless of the league they are in, perhaps also points to just such an outcome.

It was Clyde who soon underlined a growing confidence after 14 minutes when Michael McGowan whipped in a vicious cross that Pat Clarke headed just over from 10 yards.

Clyde soon threatened again when Stevie Masterton's low driven free-kick was smashed just wide by the impressive Billy Gibson.

But despite having their composure rattled by a bristling Bully Wee, for whom Jimmy Gibson and Marvyn Wilson were midfield Rottweilers, Airdrie finally threatened.

Graeme Holmes slipped top scorer and Kilmarnock-bound Allan Russell through only for Clyde keeper David Hutton to get his angles right to smother the striker's low effort.

SEVEN minutes before the break Clyde came closest to breaking the deadlock when Arbuckle lashed in a 25-yard strike that Robertson could only parry.

But, with Clarke closing for the rebound, Diamonds stopper Marc Smyth booted clear in the nick of time.

The second-half was soon following the same pattern as the first as Clyde consistently won the battles where it mattered.

And the impasse was broken when a superb diagonal ball from Michael McGowan picked out Clarke and he slipped Darren Smith and drove home low past the helpless Robertson in 77 minutes for a lead the Bully Wee richly deserved.

A moment later, second-half sub and former Ranger Jorg Albertz almost brought the away stand roof down when he dipped a 30-yard left foot howitzer yards over.

Airdrie's night was summed up when Russell shot over deep in injury-time, leaving the Diamonds cut up and out-fought by Bomber's dogs of war.

Airdrie United: Robertson, Smith, Lovering, McDonald, Smyth, Donnelly (Waddell, 8), Andreoni, Prunty (Watt, 70), Russell, Holmes, Noble (Gillies, 82). Subs not used: Campbell, Hollis.

Clyde: Hutton, Masterton, Gibson, W, Higgins, Gibson, J, Wilson (Albertz, 69), Bradley (McSwegan, 70), MacLennan, Arbuckle (McKay, 85), Clarke, McGowan. Subs not used: Bestvina, Cherrie.

Referee: Iain Brines. Att: 1878.

NEED TO KNOW

AIRDRIE UTD............0 CLYDE............1

Was it a good game? A pulsating affair, which, though low in quality, simmered nicely without ever coming to the boil.

The Bully Wee's battling best? Clyde skipper Chris Higgins nudges Billy Gibson out of pole position after keeping Airdrie marksman Allan Russell quiet with a calm and authoritative defensive performance.

And Airdrie's shining Diamond? Marc Smyth made some crucial interventions for the Diamonds in the areas it mattered most.

The referee? Iain Brines for once failed to indulge in his usual confrontational officiating and let common sense prevail.

And who is up next? The second leg awaits on Saturday at Broadwood Stadium.

Talking point

Will a single goal advantage be enough to ensure that Clyde complete their survival mission at Broadwood on Saturday?