Published: Monday, 8th February, 2010 4:11pm

Largs come unstuck at Lanark

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Lanark United 3 Largs Thistle 0

Largs failed to build on their impressive league form as they stuttered to a surprise 3-0 defeat away to Lanark United.

On a soft soggy pitch, Thistle never really got going. Largs had the best of the action immediately after the interval but conceded a sloppy second against the run of play, and Lanark then surged forward with confidence as Greenwood kept the scoreline down with some first class stops. Largs were simply not at the races.

Midfield lynchpin Gordon Lappin was injured in the opening 15 minutes, and had to be replaced by Gus Gault.

Thistle had the only opportunity of the first half hour as James Marks delivered a long range strike from the right wing which had to be pushed over the bar by the keeper who was nearly caught off guard.

Lanark were awarded a penalty after a Ross McMillan foul. Grant Cuthill's spot-kick was well beaten away by Greenwood but Goodwin slammed home the rebound as Thistle defenders were slow to protect the reserve keeper.

Willie McClure was replaced by Andy Monaghan before half-time as Largs changed their striking options upfront but it made little difference on a day when nothing went Thistle's way.

New signing Gary Phillips joined the fray and looked lively as Largs had used all their subs. However, against the run of the play, Lanark burst down the right and Molloy slipped to the ground as Brian McFadden zipped through to slam the ball past Greenwood.

Thistle's reserve keeper could not be blamed for any of the goals and indeed, he made further great stops as Lanark threatened to run away with the game in the final 15 minutes. It was McFadden who got his second with a brilliant chip into the top right hand corner of Greenwood's goal to complete the scoring.

James Marks was floored after overcoming two tackles as he tried to produce some of his magic down the right wing as Lanark defended doggedly.

It was a tough defeat for Largs who had good periods of possession but on a tricky surface were unable to break down Lanark who got their tactics right and put the shutters up against Thistle's most creative players and limited their space.

Plus points included Phillips' promising debut, and Greenwood's excellent shot stopping. Largs even missed a late penalty after Deas was pole-axed in the box but could not convert as Rowan guessed correctly and saved. This perhaps summed up Thistle's day - a wasted opportunity - as they slipped to fourth in the Premiership.

Thistle: Greenwood Davidson M.Dow. Walton, McCabe, McMillan, Robertson, Marks, McClure, Lappin, Deas.