Published: Wednesday, 9th April, 2008 2:00pm

Thistle face Tuesday derby

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Delighted ... Thistle manager Sandy McLean.

Largs Thistle manager Sandy McLean has given his players immense credit for their fighting spirit and ignoring the critics to record a massive win over league leaders Rob Roy.

Sandy is asking for the same commitment on Tuesday when his side face a major challenge away to in-form Kilbirnie Ladeside in a 6.45pm kick-off at Valefield Park.

Influential players Phil Cannie and Stewart Hendren are still suspended while defender Ross McMillan missed training on Monday to rest an injury.

Midfield man Gus Gault, defender Tom Molloy and striker Willie McClure have all been on the treatment table, while players may be missing next week due to work commitments.

Manager McLean is urging the Scottish Junior Football Association to make sure that their upcoming Whyte and Mackay Cup tie away to Girvan is played on a Saturday, as it could be a difficulty with night shift workers in the squad during midweek.

Sandy said: “A great deal of character was shown by all the players against Rob Roy. There wasn’t a bad player on the park from Connick right up to Jamie Marks. It was even at 1-1 but we stepped things up in the second half. I thought we were the better side overall and deserved it. They had their period of pressure at the end but we completely dominated for most of that second half.

“We now play against the in-form team in the league in Kilbirnie who keep on picking up points. It is another big challenge for our players who have shown a great attitude this season. The dressing room spirit is excellent, some people don’t recognise that.

“We worked hard for the goals on Saturday.

“I have just seen Martin Dow’s goals on DVD and his header was excellent, while Ross McMillan got in behind two defenders to score. The players did what they had to do. We could have gone 4-1 up at one point, which would really have sent a message out to the rest of the league, but it was backs to the walls in the end. We have stepped up to the mark in the big games this season and we need to do the same again at Kilbirnie”

* Largs Thistle hosted a success Sportsmen’s Dinner at the Willowbank Hotel on Saturday night with guest speakers referee Willie Young and former Players Union chief Tony Higgins. The club would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. Auction items included a pair of UEFA Cup tickets going for £435 and a signed Rangers strip sold for £345.