Greenock Juniors 0 Largs Thistle 2


Thistle came away from Greenock with their pride intact, just, after 17 games unbeaten, but were put through the proverbial ringer in a first half to forget.
Largs could have been five goals down at half-time, and very nearly contributed to their own downfall, before recovering to put in an improved second half performance.
Greenock had a goal chopped off, which apparently crossed the line, a penalty miss, and two one-on-ones with keeper Ross Lundy, and other chances besides.
It was X-rated stuff from Largs, who will have to improve greatly with some big challenges over the coming weeks including third placed Kilsyth, and on-form Kilwinning.
Winger Gary Phillips had an early chance in the opening minutes as he feinted past some defenders on the bye-line but his cross was blocked, and James Marks close range header floated over the bar.
The first short back pass on the far right was seized upon by a Greenock forward but a magnificent defensive challenge saved the day for Largs.
James Marks was near the centre circle when he was nearly ambushed by the Greenock midfield, and took the decision, to pass back to Lundy, and again Greenock nearly scored, but Lundy made himself big to close down the angle and save the effort.
A following corner was then headed on by a Greenock player and looked to have crossed the line as the home support cheered, but the goal wasn't given and play raged on.
Larry McMahon chopped down a Greenock forward on entering the box, and a penalty was awarded on 31 minutes, but to everyone's relief at Thistle, the ball trundled well wide of goal.


Thistle attacks were limited as they were trying to put up with Greenock's regular forays into the Thistle box, but Marks had a good opportunity after a succession of corners, with an angled strike which was blocked by ex-Largs keeper McWilliams.
As the half-time whistle blew, Largs were most fortunate to being going in at the break on level terms.
Largs won a penalty on 52 minutes as Marks was jostled during a corner into the Largs box, and Sean Pierce stood up and struck the ball low into the right corner of the net.


The goal seemed to transform Largs as Pierce launched a stinging shot from the edge of the box which flew narrowly wide of the left post.
Largs doubled their lead after a quick passing move with Pierce setting up Marks with a high ball on the right and the Thistle top scorer did the rest as he struck a diagonal shot from 12 yards into the net.


Thistle looked a different outfit after this and seemed to have re-gained their mo-jo, with Gary Phillips also going close.
However, Greenock were still posing a threat, and a free header which went over the bar was another missed opportunity for the home side, who also pinged a diagonal effort of the right post with Lunday beaten.
Thistle brought on subs Alan Frizzell and Willie McClure in the final minutes to run the clock down, as Largs managed to make it 17 games unbeaten, and move six points clear at the top of the First Division.
This is a giant leap from this time last year when Largs secured a 1-1 draw at Greenock but were sitting bottom of the league, and Thistle have a new energy and confidence about them which was evident to see after a battling victory.
But Largs will need to improve their concentration as they head into an important round of games.

Largs: Lundy, McMahon, Little, Friel, Gilbride, McDonald, Thomson, Phillips, Pierce, Marks, Fleming. GK: McClure, Frizzell, Matthews (GK)

*Thanks to Gerry Begley for footage of the James Marks goal