Hurlford United 0 Largs Thistle 2


A spectacular lob from top scorer Will Sewell was the catalyst for a terrific win which boosts Thistle's Great Escape hopes.
This was the biggest league win of the season yet for Largs away to sixth placed Hurlford United - and was a hard working and disciplined display from start to finish.
A goal either side of half-time proved to be enough against the East Ayrshire side in a match which was allowed to flow with both sides having good periods of play.
Hurlford were patched up with a number of injuries but still put in a spirited performance as Largs had to stay focussed throughout the 90 minutes.
Boss Stuart Davidson picked the same line-up for the fifth league game running as Largs made it 13 points out of 15.
And there is a sense that Thistle are really working hard for each other, defending solidly, while carving out good chances which are being taken with aplomb.
Thistle made a positive start to proceedings and their pressing style of play nearly brought about a quick goal from livewire Will Sewell.
A defensive headed pass back was intercepted by Will Sewell who cushioned a header over the advancing keeper but it floated just wide of the left post.
Sewell had another opportunity as a good curling ball into the box by Laurie McMaster on the left was nodded over from the young striker.
Hurlford keeper McDonald had to look lively following a corner and did well to block some half-chances as Largs were continuing to pile on the pressure in the early stages. 
George Sewell nearly scored a spectacular effort bursting forward from midfield as an audacious chip from just inside the centre circle caught McDonald backtracking in the Ford goal.
The home keeper just managed to get a hand to it and flip the ball over the bar.


However, it wasn't all one way traffic and Hurlford were starting to put together some good passing movements, and they came close to scoring after a deflected shot which fortunately went straight to Largs keeper Danny Farrell.
Referee Calum Haswell dished out his only yellow card of the game after McMaster was upended by Kerr.
United nearly capitalised on Thistle's bad luck as McMaster slipped on the greasy surface allowing Kerr to get a clean sight of goal but he rifled his effort off the right post on the angle.
It was good persistence from Jamie Ballantyne who refused to allow Kerr a moment to settle in midfield to dispossess him and immediately set up the onrushing Will Sewell.
And the young hot-shot sent a high ball over the outrushing McDonald for a spectacular lob into the far right of the net on 42 minutes.


And Thistle gained a valuable two goal cushion on 57 minutes after winning a free kick on the edge of the area.
Stuart Faulds' free kick was blocked but fellow midfielder Simon McBryde picked up matters and delivered a curling cross to the edge of the area which was met by McMaster who confidently chested the ball down and drilled the ball low into the bottom right corner.


Largs worked hard to contain Hurlford for the remainder of this encounter which turned into something of a midfield battle.
However, the home side were still dangerous and Largs keeper Danny Farrell had to deal with a number of crosses and shots.
And late on in this game, Hurlford sent in a 25 yard free kick came shuddering off the left post but Thistle held out to bag another impressive win.
This was a great all round display from Largs who scored the goals when they were on top but also did well to soak up pressure from a Hurlford side who, while injury ravaged, still had enough of a presence to make it a very testing encounter.
LARGS THISTLE: Farrell, Hughes, McMaster, McGoldrick, Ballantyne, Faulds, G.Sewell, McBryde, W.Sewell, Adam, Forbes. Subs: Haggerty, McLeod, Lapsley, Love, Duffy, McGowan (GK).