Largs Thistle are chasing wing wizard Gary Phillips after he made the difference in Saturday’s win over Shotts.

And Kilbirnie Ladeside have shown an interest in one of Thistle’s most experienced players too.

It is a 2pm kick-off on Saturday at Ladywell Stadium, Maybole, and a supporters bus is leaving Barrfields Park at 11.30am (Contact Don 675405 for more details).

Thistle have made it clear that they are interested in signing Phillips after setting up the winning goal with a high quality cross to secure three points on the opening day of the league.

Phillips, who was influential in Albion Rovers’ run to the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup a few years ago, still harbours hopes of returning to senior football. He previously played for Largs Thistle, before moving senior.

Bryan said: “We became aware of Gary’s availability only an hour before the game on Saturday, and we told him to come to Largs and bring his boots! He made an impact and certainly helped us.

“Gary has not signed with anybody, and has options available. We have made our intentions clear to Gary in relation to wanting to sign him, and he said he would get back to us some time this week and let us know. His preferred option is to play senior, so there could be a bit of come and go if he signs with us, but he would be a fantastic signing even if it is short term.” Speaking about the Shotts victory, Bryan said: “It was a good three points, I wasn’t delighted about the display although we defended really well. We were not sharp enough, and we didn’t have a good enough cutting edge.

We managed to get the victory at the end which was pleasing but we did not create very much.

“It was a good goal for James Marks, particularly given there had been some interest from Kilbirnie Ladeside in James after last week’s game, which never came to anything, so it was good for him to get on with it and come up with the winning goal which showed plenty of character.” With Maybole, and Kilwinning, both coming up in the following two weeks, Thistle boss Bryan Slavin knows that his side are in for some tough tests, but feels his team can come up with the goods. Maybole lost 5-1 to Hurlford in Wednesday night's semi-final.

“I am happy as it shows that we have a bit of quality in our league,” said Bryan, “and it shows that our teams can compete against Premier teams. Both Maybole and Kilwinning have big semi finals in midweek, and I know from personal experience, that this definitely has an effect on the following Saturday league games. We have Maybole this Saturday, and Kilwinning after that, and we are on the look-out for some sort of revenge for that doing Buffs gave us in the Ardagh Cup.

“Sometimes after heavy cup action, you can take your eyes off the ball when the games come fast and furious.”