A Scott Cameron hat-trick helped Largs to a 5-1 league victory against Auchinleck Boswell at Barrfields on Saturday.

This was Largs' first game since a defeat against Irvine Town three weeks previously had left the local side's promotion hopes in the balance.

The hosts got off to the perfect start when a Stuart Turley cross was turned in to his own net by an Auchinleck defender inside the opening five minutes. Largs doubled their advantage almost immediately. From the restart, the visitors gifted possession to Scott Cameron, who, spotting the goalkeeper off his line, sent a superb chip from 35 yards in to the net.

In a frenetic opening 15 minutes, Auchinleck hit back when a defender headed beyond David Cunningham in the Largs goal following a free kick from the left wing.

Despite the setback, Largs continued to threaten the Auchinleck goal. A Reece Clark header shaved the outside of the post and Martin Dunlop sent a close range effort over the bar, having been picked out by Clark. Largs did restore their two-goal cushion shortly before the half-time break courtesy of another superb strike from Cameron from the edge of the box.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Largs doing most of the attacking. The visitors, however, had opportunities of their own and Cunningham made a superb save at his left post just as it looked like a header was going to creep into the corner.

Cameron completed his hat-trick midway through the half with a composed finish after being sent through on goal by David Mitchell. In truth, Largs could have had the game out of sight but for some wasteful finishing.

A fifth and final goal for the home side was added in the closing stages by Alyn Bowie, who headed home powerfully from a corner kick.

Largs are back in league duty this Saturday when they travel to Kilmarnock AFC.

The club would like to thank JG Sharps and the Largs Thistle community for their continued sponsorship and support.