Largs & Millport Weekly News | Sport | Thistle anger over midweek trek to Girvan

Thursday, 16th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 12:00

Thistle anger over midweek trek to Girvan

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Largs Thistle manager Sandy McLean has branded the fixture chaos surrounding the club as “absolutely outrageous” - but SJFA chiefs have now been forced to relent on their cup tie scheduling.

Earlier this month, the Barrfields boss urged the Scottish Junior Football Association to make sure that their upcoming away tie to Girvan in the third round of the Whyte and MacKay Cup was played on a Saturday, as it would be hugely problematic with night shift workers in the squad during midweek.

However, responding to the intial announcement that his side would be facing Girvan this Monday night a furious Sandy stated that the SJFA were “demeaning the competition”.

That tie has now been changed to Wednesday 7th after Thistle hit out - but it still leaves the side with a huge headache.

Speaking before the change in schedule, he blasted: “I think the scheduling of the SJFA has been disgraceful - it’s ridiculous organisation. Asking Largs to travel to Girvan on a Monday night is outrageous.”

The Largs manager said that he had just 13 players available for the Vale of Clyde game earlier this week, adding that his injury worries now included keeper Stephen Connick, Ross McMillan, Kevin McCann, John Roberston, and more.

Largs continued their unlikely bid to obtain a league playoff place with a battling 0-0 draw at title chasing Vale of Clyde on Monday, but their manager acknowledged that their fate now lay in other hands.

Sandy said: “I was delighted with the performance but disappointed not to get the three points. It was as good an away performance as we’ve had. They were absolutely magnificent, considering that we’re down to the bare bones.

“We are still in there fighting but it’s a big ask now. We have to rely on others, we know that.”

In an exciting match, both sides virtually played themselves to a standstill with some outstanding efforts from both goalkeepers to keep the scoreline balanced.

Stephen Connick was the Largs man of the match, although that award could have gone to almost all of the players on show.

East Kilbride Thistle will be the opposition at Barrfields on Wednesday night at 7pm. Largs also face Clydebank away on Saturday at 2pm with a bus leaving Barrfields. To book a place contact Jim McGinty on 675719.

The Girvan tie is due to kick-off at 7.15pm.

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