Largs Thistle 1 Kilwinning Rangers 3

The wait for Thistle's first Premier league win continues after a disappointing defeat at Barrfields, writes Jim Laing.

Three goals in a horror ten minute spell in the second half consigned Thistle's fate, after taking a first half lead thanks to a spectacular strike from James Marks.

Largs were without Jamie McDonald, Gary Fleming and Matt Bennett, and started with Kriss Litter and Glenn Thomson in centre midfield.

Kilwinning dictated the early play as Largs keeper Ross Lundy beat away a goalbound angled shot on seven minutes from Ben Lewis.

On 11 minutes, Lundy was again in action to stop a drive from Cashmore after poor home defending.

Against the run of play, Thistle took the lead with a brilliant goal. Ciaran Friel won a 50/50 ball in the Kilwinning half and hit a deep curling ball which found James Marks whose left foot angled volley flashed into the net.

This appeared to give Thistle confidence and two minutes later Robert Love had an effort which came off the post and a McWaters effort was cleared off the line, as Largs were clearly lifted from the goal.

Buffs were still stronger in the middle of the park, and had a shot blocked by Lundy on 44 minutes, just before half-time.

Just on half-time Hanvey flashed a 22 yard shot which deflected to safety off the post. Although Largs had taken the lead, Kilwinning were always dangerous,

Marks was pulled down on edge of box on 44 minutes, and Morton on-loan man McWaters crashed a free kick off the Kilwinning bar.

On 47 minutes, a Love lay off to Littler was smashed over the bar from good positioning, as Thistle were looking to try and get an important second goal.

In 51 minutes, Marks beat the Buffs defence to hit a powerful drive which was brilliantly parried away by Kilwinning keeper Strain.

It looked as if Largs were going to get their second but the turning point was when Barbour and Boylan came on for Kemp and Clark.

On 64 minutes, Boylan broke down the left wing and hit over a low cross which Barbour hit home from inside the Thistle penalty area to level the match.

Thistle stood off Buffs and Kilwinning went 2-1 up on 74 minutes when Ben Lewis lashed the shot high into the net.

And on 77 minutes, Lewis scored after a deflected shot spun into his path giving the forward a clear-cut opening from six yards.

It was a disappointing capitulation from Thistle who lacked creativity, confidence and depth particularly in midfield. It is the fourth league defeat in a row as Largs turn their attentions to the Scottish Cup on Saturday for some succour.

Best players for Largs on the day were Lundy, Friel, and Nicky Jamieson in defence.

Thistle: Lundy, Friel, McMaster, Little, Jamieson, Littler, McWaters, Thomson, Marks, Love, McMahon. Subs: Struthers, Ashe, Graham, Gilbride.

Kilwinning: Strain, Clark, Fleeting, Kerr, Coleman, Hanvey, Agnew, McGuinness, Cashmore, Lewis, Kemp. Subs: Barbour, Bolton, Boylan, Cairney, Burns (GK)