Largs Thistle 1 Wishaw 0

New boss Stuart Davidson was delighted that Thistle scraped a victory in a hard fought tussle against Wishaw in the first round of the West of Scotland Cup.

Progress was crucial after Thistle slipped up at home in the Scottish Cup last month, and Largs, who were without a victory since Dalry in the Ardagh Cup on 20 August, savoured that winning feeling.

It was a Glenn Thomson penalty on 79 minutes which tipped the balance in Thistle's favour in this Scottish Cup tie, but Central League outfit Wishaw certainly made life tough for Largs throughout this encounter.

The Barrfields side started in fine fettle with two good opportunities falling to James Marks, both of which, a race through on goal, and a turn and shot inside the box, were good chances which went a-begging.

Wishaw were denied on two occasions by the assistant referee's flag as the visitors twice had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, much to Thistle's relief.

It was Nicky Jamieson to the rescue with a cracking clearance to deny a Wishaw attacker who nearly blazed through on goal.

Passing football was at a premium as play was continually broken up, and it took until 41 minutes for Thistle to serious test the Wishaw keeper as Robert Love managed to evade a challenge before running through on goal and taking a 20 yard attempt which had to be beaten away by the sprawling Sandy Thomson.

Wishaw's Stephen Mullen drilled an effort over the bar from 10 yards early in the second half and midfielder Jamie McDonald sent in a 25 yard drive which flashed past the right post.

Laurie McMaster for Largs received a caution after a careless challenge, and Largs certainly didn't want to lose their discipline at a crucial juncture in the game.

Thistle keeper Ross Lundy came to the rescue of Largs on three occasions in this second half, making a superb one handed save to block to deny Mullen before McMaster cleared the danger with good old fashioned punt.

And a cross from the left looked to be covered by Creag Little but he slipped, and Lundy narrowed the angle and spread himself to block again on 63 minutes.

A minute later, and Wishaw split Largs open through the middle as Coffey fired in an effort which Lundy blocked with his legs.

These were certainly nervous moments for the Thistle faithful but Largs fought back and were unlucky not to take the lead after McMaster was adjudged to have taken the ball out of play as he crossed for Marks to score from close range. It was a decision that McMaster disputed afterwards.

Largs won a penalty with eleven minutes left as Marks was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area, and although Wishaw were aggrieved at the decision, video evidence suggests that the referee was correct.

It seemed like an eternity until the penalty was taken as the referee stopped action a few times, but Thomson showed composure to despatch the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

There was still enough time for an equaliser but pleasingly, Thistle's defence held firm, and Largs looked comfortable in the closing stages to see out a morale boosting victory.

Largs: Lundy, Friel, McMaster, Jamieson, Little, McDonald, Thomson, Loftus, Marks, Love, Bennett. Subs: McWaters, Littler, McMahon, Gilbride, Graham (GK).

* Largs Thistle and Wishaw both took part in the 'Show Racism the Red Card' campaign. It is the UK’s anti-racism educational charity which utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. It's aim is to combat racism through enabling role models, who are predominately but not exclusively footballers, to present an anti-racist message to young people and others.

Clubs in Scotland, and around the UK, engage with the Show Racism the Red Card fortnight of anti-racist action in October which includes the holding up of red cards by players around the centre circle prior to kick off during matches.

* Thanks to John Keachie for the photos.