Thistle's Scottish cuptie at home
Published 25 Nov 2011 09:30
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LARGS strikers have been told to put on their shooting boots for Saturday's Emirates Scottish Cup 3rd round tie.
As Central League side Lesmahagow come to Barrfields Park for the 1.45pm kick-off to try to win a place in the last 32 of the national tournament Thistle know they need to pick themselves up again.
In the last two league games against Beith and Cumnock they only picked up a point and only scored one goal. They had a home 1-1 draw iwth Beith and lost 2-0 at Cumnock last Saturday
Shooting practice
However, most of their goals have come in cupties this season and manager Pat McIlvogue ordered some extra shooting practice at training this week.
It is likely that top scorer and livewire teenager Euan Lindsay will team up with Andy Monaghan from the start as they have proved to be the best attacking pairing in the past year. Lindsay who has had flu has come off the bench in the last two games.
Experienced forward Kevin Struthers has been given a chance to shine in recent weeks but has failed to find the target despite some nice touches.
The other dilemma for the manager is how to use the former club captain Eddie Walton who has returned after a short spell at Irvine Meadow. New captain Robbie Cochrane and youngster Barry McLaughlin have claimed the central defensive positions while left-back Paul Coyle is one of the most consistent performers.
An option for the management team may be to use right-back Craig Black - a natural attacking player - further forward where his intelligent passing and strong tackling could provide more dynamism to the middle of the park
In the 1st round Largs were taken to a replay before beating St Anthony's of the Central First Division and although Lesmahagow are in the 2nd Division they have hit 22 goals in six league games, and beat Whitehills 5-1 away from home in the cup last Saturday.
Supporters know that Largs don't tend to make things easy for themselves against lower league opposition but much of that is down to not taking the chances that are created.
Hence, the manager's message to his men to sharpen up their shooting this Saturday. Fans can expect Thistle to attack the 'Gow from the first minute to try to inflict some early damage.
This article appeared in Largs & Millport Weekly News 25 Nov 11
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