Largs 5-3 Winlinton Wolves

Largs reached the second round of the Donsport Trophy after an action-packed 90 minutes against Winlinton Wolves at Bowencraig last Saturday.

The cup-tie was one of few matches in Ayrshire to beat the weather, which gave the local side the chance to make up for the Scottish Cup exit they suffered in their previous outing against Forfar side Finavon.

The returning George Hawkins started in a back three alongside Dale Robson and Ian Riddell, with David Cunningham taking up his usual spot between the sticks. Ryan McMunn and David Hillier occupied the wing-back roles, supporting a midfield trio of Gordon Dunlop, Fraser Russell and Grant Cockerill. With top-scorer David Mills serving a one-match suspension, former Largs Thistle juniors man Euan Lindsay was handed a debut starting berth alongside Martin Dunlop up front.

Winlinton took the lead in the first attack of the match - a loose ball being poked beyond Cunningham from close range. The home side dusted themselves down and began to take the game to their opponents. Cockerill spurned a good opportunity when one-on-one with the visiting ‘keeper and Lindsay was also thwarted from close range. However, Lindsay didn’t have to wait long to open his account. With his next opportunity, the striker finished calmly from 10 yards out to draw Largs level. Five minutes later, the debutant added his second in spectacular fashion, meeting a looped cross with an overhead scissor-kick, which nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Largs were in command and quickly made it 3-1 when Martin Dunlop finished confidently after being sent through on goal. Dunlop then turned provider when his cross-field pass was controlled by Russell, who took one touch before slamming a right-foot shot into the bottom corner.

Just as it looked as though Largs might put the game out of sight, the visitors pegged them back with their second goal of the afternoon. A long throw-in caused confusion in the Largs back line and, following a scramble, the ball was eventually forced over the line by the away side to make the score 4-2 going into the break.

The second half brought no let-up in the goal mouth action, and it wasn’t long before Largs made it five. The Winlinton ‘keeper looked to have a Hillier free-kick under control, but his attempted palm over the cross-bar ended up in the back of the net.

The remainder of the second half was far from plain sailing for Largs, however. Winlinton were handed a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot after a tangle between Martin Dunlop and Winlinton’s experienced striker, who used his body to bring both players to the ground as they contested another long throw-in. The penalty was confidently despatched off the inside of the left post, while Dunlop received a yellow card for his ‘crime’. Sadly, this wasn’t the last card the home side received. Following a tussle with his opponent, Lindsay received a straight red card after appearing to aim a kick. Substitute Alyn Bowie then joined Lindsay in the clubhouse when he received two bookings in a matter of seconds for arguing with the whistler.

Despite playing the final 20 minutes with nine men, Largs managed to keep a pressing Winlinton at bay. Set pieces, in particular, caused the home side some nervy moments, with Hawkins having to be alert when he headed an effort from another long throw-in off the goal line. Gordon Dunlop used his experience to break-up play in the middle of the park on a number of occasions, while the fresh legs of Gordon Wilson and Brendan Hill kept the visitors on their toes at the back. Following a solid display in defence, Riddell was replaced in the closing stages by Craig McGill, who kept things tight alongside Hawkins and Robson.

Saturday’s victory means Largs will face neighbours Kilbride Thistle in the next round. The local side are due to play table toppers New Farm Loch in a league fixture this Saturday, weather permitting.

Largs would like to thank JG Sharps for their continued support, sponsorship and hospitality.