Thistle lose out in cup cracker at Cumnock

By Drew Cochrane

A late headed goal foiled a brave Largs performance at the end of a tough  Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup-tie on the new artificial surface at Townhead Park.

You could tell that Thistle's familiarity with such a park helped as they were the better team in the early exchanges. Largs had continuousattacking moves in the early period with Cumnock defender Lundie having to head a dangerous Fisher cross over his bar for one of the numerous corners they forced.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Scott Anson got between two defenders, who went for the same ball, to put a header into the path of Josh Watt who coolly shot past keeper Graham.

However, just on half-time Thistle deservedly levelled with a great header by Kevin Struthers .

Unfortunately, 'Nock went ahead within minutes of the restart, but it was 2-2 in the 72nd minute when Largs midfielder Gary Fleming fired a thunderous shot beyond Johnson.

The fans were looking at a penalty-shoot out until the final minute when Lundie came forward to head home from a long throw by Keir Samson.

Apart from one mistake for a goal Jamieson was immense for Largs and Marks was often the lone striker taking on the home defence.  Iain Fisher and Gary Fleming covered miles and miles for the side but, once again, poor passing in midfield gave too much possession to the opponents.

Ah well, there's still the West Cup.

Cumnock: Johnson, Wood, Crawford, Lundie, McKenna, Esplin, Muir, Burns, Anson, Hunter, Watt. subs - McRobbie, Montgomerie and Samson.

Largs Thistle: Graham, Fisher, McMaster, Tennant, Jamieson, Walton, Fleming, McDonald, Marks, Struthers, Bennett. subs - Littler, Ashe, Little.