Largs Thistle boss Bryan Slavin has praised the effort and commitment of his side after winning four points out of a possible six, and has urged his troops to keep up the good work on Saturday, 2pm kick-off v Shettleston at Barrfields Park.

Largs drew 1-1 at Irvine Vics last night in the proverbial six pointer, and Bryan himself played and put in a solid display, winning a lot of headers.

A speculative strike from skipper Kevin Struthers broke the deadlock with seven minutes to go, a goal worthy of winning any match, but Vics equalised via a fortuitous penalty kick after a handball in the box.

But Largs should have been well in command after missing some great chances which returned to haunt them as three points were really essential.

Graham Muir was adjudged offside as he raced through on an early opportunity, and Kevin Adam sent a curling drive from 20 yards narrowly wide for Vics.

A short pass back allowed Struthers an angled shot near the left byeline as keeper Lamb recovered to claw the ball out for a corner.

The inswinger was headed on by Marks, and dramatically cleared off the line.

Next, Marks wheeled away from a defender to send a venemous drive off the outside of the right post on the half hour mark.

And Marks should have made sure Largs were one goal up at half-time as he was clean through on goal only to shoot straight at keeper Lamb.

Thistle had the upperhand in the first half, but the second half was to prove more of a midfield battle.

Iain Fisher’s long range free kick was smothered by Lamb, and Marks sent another effort wide of target as the clock was ticking down.

Willie McClure and Glenn Thompson came on in a bid to freshen matters up, and on 83 minutes, Thistle at last got the goal that their dominant play deserved, as Struthers twisted his way past defenders near the left byeline before sending a superb angled drive into the top right corner of the net. It was a belter.

Vics pushed forward in the final minutes, and Bobby Colligan’s fierce shot from the edge of the area came off Struthers’ elbow in the box, and the referee Calum Haswell pointed to the spot.

Thistle players reacted with fury, and goalkeeper Ross Lunday got his marching orders for dissent, meaning that player-manager Bryan Slavin, took on the goalkeeping gloves but was powerless to stop Patterson’s penalty on 87 minutes.

Largs had a few half chances near the end as they pushed up including a corner but to no avail, and both teams had to settle for a share of spoils, although it was galling for Largs given that Vics had not managed a shot on target during open play, and had the upper hand for the majority of this game.

Speaking after the game on Twitter, Bryan said: "We couldn't put the game to bed but that is two good performances in a row, and four points from six, we are on an upward curve."