Largs Thistle Amateurs lost out 3-2 to league leaders Catrine at home on Saturday.

Playing at Inverclyde Sports Centre, Thistle AFC goalscorers were Grant Cockerill and George Hawkins.

The visitors’ early pressure paid off and they found themselves two goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes. The first goal arrived after a long ball was misjudged by the Largs back line and the Catrine striker latched on to the loose ball before slotting past home goalkeeper David Cunningham. Before Largs had time to respond, they found themselves two behind when a corner from the left-hand side was headed home at the front post.

The two-goal setback sprung Largs into action and they quickly set about getting back into the match. Ryan McMunn and Scott Fraser both missed good opportunities when played through on goal, and a superb volley by Grant Cockerill was met by an equally impressive save by the Catrine goalkeeper. Despite enjoying a much brighter end to the half, Largs went into the break two goals behind.

With the addition of Scott Cameron to the fold at half time, Largs picked up where they left off and started the second half with renewed purpose. Within five minutes of the restart, the deficit was halved. A Catrine corner kick was cleared by Largs, with the ball being played to Cameron on the left channel. The winger breezed by his man before squaring the ball to Cockerill, who converted from close range.

Largs’ tails were up at this stage, and the home side began to dominate proceedings. The equalising goal soon arrived; Cameron was, again, the creator, with his cross from the left wing this time being converted by George Hawkins, who joined the attack from his right-back position to head home.

Catrine almost regained the lead immediately, however a superb save by Cunningham, down to his right-hand side, from a crisp volley kept the scores level.

With 25 minutes to go, the three points were up for grabs and Largs were doing most of the pressing. The hosts couldn’t quite find a third goal, however, and Catrine struck what proved to be the game’s killer blow with 15 minutes left on the clock. Again, a long ball forward caused some hesitation in the Largs defence, and the Catrine striker nipped in to slide the ball beyond Cunningham.

Despite their best efforts, Largs couldn’t find an equaliser and the visitors left the seaside town with their 100 per cent record intact but having had their title credentials receive a thorough examination.

The amateurs have another home match this Saturday against Bearsden in the first round of the West of Scotland Amateur Cup, 1.30pm at Barrfields.

And after a one week break, Largs Thistle U19s lost their first league game of the season in the Paisley, Johnstone and District division three, going down 4-2 to Cameron Thistle at Bowen Craig. Thistle U19s had been unbeaten for the opening ten games, and hope to bounce back at home to Glasgow East this weekend.

Largs Thistle U14s have also had a one week break from action, after a postponement, and face Port Glasgow BC in the Under 14s of the Gilbert Baird Cup on Saturday at 10am at Barrfields Park.