Darvel 1 Largs Thistle AFC 7

Largs returned to winning ways with a convincing away win over Darvel to kickstart their AAFA Div 2 Campaign.

Largs lined up with an attacking 4-3-3 which saw a potent forward line of Lindsay and Donaldson paired together for the first time, along with club captain and top scorer David Mills.

Russell returned to the fold alongside midfield maestro Craig Marshall who pulled the strings of the game from start to finish. The duo were joined by the experienced Bowie who policed matters in the central area.

Largs had to wait for their first goal after a Mills free kick fell kindly to Russell, who was left with his head in his hands having blasted high over the bar from three yards out, with the open goal gaping.

The deadlock was broken when Lindsay was fouled by the home keeper, resulting in a spot kick which the former Largs Thistle man coolly despatched.

Mills added to his tally for the season when he added the second, firing home a rebound from a Russel shot.

The third goal was one for the football purists with fine interplay between Bowie, Russell and Marshall played in Lindsay who made no mistake with the finish.

The fourth and fifth both involved tricky wing play from George Hawkins-Sewell, with Mills and Lindsay each taking a turn to fire home from close range, allowing the influential Lindsay complete an impressive first half hat trick.

A five goal half time lead saw the game virtually over but Largs continued to control the second half, and Mills completed a fine hit trick using his posterior strength to hold off the Darvel defender and slam home.

The second half saw the introduction of Riddell, McGill, Hill and Wilson all of whom acquitted themselves well and demonstrated the strength of competition for starting berths

Donaldson got in on the act with the 7th, and it was worth waiting for with a delectable dinked chip over the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Darvel earned a consolation with a neat strike from inside the box and was deserved given the home side fought to the end.

Largs were stronger on the day and mention must also be made of returning centre half Connor who turned in an assured defensive performance.

Largs face Heathside away next week in a game which will be another test of how the team is developing.

Largs would like to thank JG Sharps for their continued support.

Team: Cunningham, Sewell, Connor, Mitchell, Cockerill, Bowie, Russell, Marshall, Lindsay, Donaldson, Mills. Subs: Wilson, McGill, Riddell, McGowan, Hill.