Largs Thistle manager Sandy MacLean is hoping that his side get the rub of the green at Kilsyth in a bottom of the table clash in the Stagecoach First Division.

Thistle are sitting second bottom, after squandering a barrel-load of chances against Irvine Victoria while Kilsyth are at the foot of the table.

Both sides played each other earlier this year in the Scottish Cup before Largs lost out in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, after two 3-3 draws. It is a 2pm kick-off at Duncansfield Park, and the team bus leaves Barrfields at 11.15am (seats available from Don on 675405).

“We need to win at Kilsyth, It is a massive game,” was Sandy’s frank assessment, “If you look at the league, nobody has been cut adrift, and a win on Saturday means we are back in middle of the pack, and the chase is on.

“It is a confidence thing, and if you look at the first half against Vics, we were so unlucky. Creag Little could have had a hat-trick, and Marks had an effort which was tipped over the bar, and Struthers had a pointblank effort, which was unfortunately straight at the keeper.” The good news for Largs is that the defence has been bolstered with the return of Barry McLaughlin and Alan Gilbride for selection, but striker Sean Pierce is unavailable as he is getting married. Kevin Struthers will be sitting out a two game suspension.

“We have to keep doing what we are doing - and convert the chances,” said Sandy: “It feels like a smack in the face at every turn in the league this season. Kevin’s red card on Saturday was borne out of frustration, as was James Marks’ red card at Shettleston. It is hard on the players as they getting frustrated with putting in all the effort but getting little reward. They are not half chances which have not gone it but full blown opportunities - which leaves you wondering how on earth did that not go in? So it is something we are going to have to try to cope with, and keep playing positively.” The Thistle boss had words of praise for top scorer James Marks who has netted eight goals already this season. Sandy said: “James leads the line for us going forward no question - we have put him up on his own and he has done well. He always puts in a postive workmanlike shift, and he causes people problems because of his running.” And ‘Theesel’ fans will be hoping that Largs can break their duct and get their first league win. The club are familiar with Kilsyth after losing out to them in an epic Scottish Cup tie in January on penalty kicks,but with both teams struggling at the bottom of the league, it is everything to play for this Saturday.

The 2nd round draw for the Scottish Junior Cup takes place on Sunday at 1pm at Irvine Meadow’s social bar.

* Race Night - Largs Thistle F.C are hosting a Race Night fundraiser at J.G Sharp’s bar in Nelson Street, Largs on Saturday 25 October, starting at 7.30pm.