Elgin’s winless run extended to nine games after a David Goodwillie hat-trick meant the Borough Briggs men squandered a two-goal interval lead at Broadwood.
It looked as though the three points were heading north thanks to goals from Chris McLeish and Chris Dodd, but former Aberdeen, Ross County and Scotland attacker Goodwillie punished slack defending to turn the game on its head.
City goalkeeper Marc Waters said: “It is disappointing especially as we were 2-0 up.
“We were a bit shaky in defence during the first half although we took our chances.
“The second half was a different story.
“The run we are on is really annoying us. We have not seen anyone off yet in the play-off chase and with Montrose and Annan winning it made the result all the more disappointing.”
Elgin made the perfect start on six minutes when McLeish took advantage of a mishit backpass from Kerr Waddell and ran through to slip the ball past Kyle Gourlay.
The Bully Wee’s David Gormley shot into the side-netting and Goodwillie hit the top of the bar before Elgin grabbed their second goal on 28 minutes when Daniel Moore swung over a cross from the left that reached Dodd at the back post and he netted from a tight angle.
Goodwillie struck a post three minutes from the break before opening his Clyde account on 52 minutes when he sprang free in the box and slipped the ball under Waters.
The score was level soon after when a quickly-taken free kick by Gormley sent Goodwillie clear and he picked his spot before sending a low shot home.
Watters added: “We thought their first goal was offside.
“At the second they reacted quicker and they were both disappointing goals to lose in such a key match.”
Elgin were rattled, but with an hour played they were given the chance to get back in front when Gormley handled. However Thomas Reilly had his penalty pushed away by Gourlay.
Waters said: “Thomas has been brilliant this season and we cannot blame him. Penalties are difficult to take and he had the courage to step up.”
To rub salt into the wounds Elgin fell behind on 65 minutes when Goodwillie flicked the ball into the far corner from 10 yards.
Waters added: “The Clyde game is done now and we move on to next week. We know what we need to do against Stirling. It is a huge game. We will regroup, work hard and go again for another important match.”