Hurlford United 3 Largs Thistle 4
It was a goal feast at Blair Park last Wednesday evening as Largs Thistle ran out surprise winners over the Scottish Junior Cup finalists.
This was undoubtedly the game of the season for the sizeable 'Theesel' following who enjoyed a rip-roaring clash in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup 2nd round.
There was a minute's applause in celebration of the life of Thistle legend Davie Cook, who scored 87 goals in one season in the 1950s, and won a number of cups including the Ayrshire Cup in 1959.
So it was extra fitting that Largs won against Premier opposition in a suitably epic encounter.
In the opening minutes. Thistle forward Kevin Struthers cracked an effort off the crossbar with a sidefoot strike from close range.
Hurlford moved in front with their first attack of the game on five minutes as Jenkins weaved his way through the Largs defence before drilling a low shot beyond Blair Cousar and into the net.
Largs were not put off and were beginning to exert their influence in the game with Alex McWaters causing problems down the right flank.
Thistle skipper Creag Little got a good look at a curling corner from McWaters but headed over with the goal gaping on 23 minutes.
But Largs did take the lead moments later as McWaters tenacious running and fast paced cross was turned into his own net by McKenize.
And on the half hour mark, defender Nicky Jamieson rose to meet another McWaters corner unchallenged to put Largs 2-1 up, 
It was the same route for Laurie McMaster as he bundled another header across the line to put Largs 3-1 up on 44 minutes.
Thistle nearly made it 4-1 as McWaters led the Hurlford defence on a merry dance before teeing up Struthers whose pinpoint shot was expertly fingertipped over the bar by Ford keeper.
We were expecting a Hurlford fightback in the second half but it came from unexpected source as Largs keeper Blair Cousar sliced a passback, and ex-Killie star Mark Roberts couldn't believe his luck as he blasted the ball home on 64 minutes.
Cousar then had to deal with a high ball into the area and mis-calculated his punch - taking out the Hurlford player instead of the ball - peep! Penalty!
3-3 on 67 minutes.
Suddenly Thistle's cup dream was turning into a nightmare and Hurlford had a renewed sense of urgency about their play, but Largs had been very much makers of their own downfall up to this point. Could they turn it around again?
Cousar made amends with two important stops, and Thistle notched a dramatic winner from the spot after Adam was chopped down. The Thistle top scorer dusted himself down to convert from the spot on 75 minutes.
Largs were playing with a measure of confidence going forward and Adam was ready to pounce on another opening which he drilled into the back of the net but the offside flag had been raised.
Little showed some clever keepie-uppie on the edge of the 18 yard box before sending in a curling effort which had to be well captured by Murchie.
Before we could catch our breath, Hurlford nearly made it 4-4 when Jenkins cracked a shot off the left post after a good set-up, but the 2013 winners Largs managed to hold out and record one of their best cup results in many years.
The two unfortunate keeper errors skewed the final score to an extent, and Largs probably should have won by a more comfortable scoreline.
This was a real confidence booster at this stage of the season - and shows that Thistle can mix it with Premiership opposition.
It also gives Largs the chance of a cup run with a quarter final in prospect, and the opportunity to chase silverware.
Full praise must go to Thistle for a generally commanding display, achieving one of the shock results of the competition to date
Bring it on!
Hurlford: Murchie, Agnew, Liddleton, McKillen, Robertson, Watt, McKenzie, Jenkins, Roberts, Kean, Ferguson. Subs: Caddis, Fisher, Whitiker, Brown.
Largs: Cousar, Fisher, McMaster, Little, Jamieson, Gilbride, McWaters, Fleming, Adams, Struthers, Campbell. Subs: Muir, McVey, Grayston.
Pics: John Keachie.