Largs Thistle 0 Kilwinning Rangers 2


This was a cruel defeat for Largs who deserved much more from this encounter after a hard working performance which pushed Kilwinning all the way.
Largs came close to turning this match in a dominant second half but Stuart Davidson's side were ultimately beaten by a late breakaway.
Sometimes during a season there are games which are like the proverbial fish that got away - and this was very much the case for Largs who were angling for an equaliser but somehow managed to let Kilwinning off the hook.
This was very much a game of two halves as Kilwinning dominated the first 45 minutes while Largs came roaring back in the second half, but after bombarding the Buffs, were undone by a long range effort which flew into the roof of the net. 
Thistle's lack of striking options is an obvious factor but Largs are continuing to plug away and certainly created enough chances to even win this encounter.
The game opened in appalling conditions with torrential rain and swirling wind as Largs were getting bodies in the way as a series of Kilwinning efforts were being blocked by hook or by crook.
However, it wasn't all one way traffic and one flowing move saw Stuart Faulds send a low rifled shot drilled past the left post from distance, while a George Sewell ambitious up and under lob from 30 yards also finished wide.
Dylan Mackie went very close for Kilwinning as he turned his man and blasted an 18 yard effort off the left post as Largs counted their lucky stars on 21 minutes.
It was a warning shot though as Buffs took the lead on 24 minutes after a long throw into the box was not cut out and Mackin made sure this time with a firm header into the roof of the net.
The visitors continued to dominate the first half but didn't really test Jamie Walker in the Largs goal as Thistle continued to defend diligently.
There was no doubt about it that Largs were not at the races in the first half and a pep talk by gaffer Stuart Davidson lifted Largs out of the doldrums.
The best chance fell to Craig Forbes who dispossessed the last man but fired in a low effort which the keeper managed to scramble away. See below.


Lewis Davidson was sent flying after a good ball through to Craig Forbes in the penalty box but advantage was not played.
Davidson floated a dangerous free kick over the bar, and Simon McBryde was through on the left hand side but didn't get enough purchase in his shot allowing the keeper to block.
Another good move saw Forbes bursting through the middle and on to goals but keeper Craig Gordon stopped him in his tracks with an immediate block.
George Sewell also cannoned a shot across the face of goal and put a few good crossed into the box as Thistle tried to find the equaliser.
But Kilwinning soaked up all the pressure and then hit Thistle with the sucker punch in the 83rd minute.
It was a great run and shot from Robbie Torrance who beautifully curled a long range shot into the left hand corner of the net from 25 yards. See below


Thistle were certainly deserving of a point in this see-saw battle - and will feel that this was a big opportunity missed after such a dominant second half with Buffs barely in it as a contest.
It is not an easy situation for Largs right now given their lack of strength of depth with the team basically picking itself in recent weeks.
However, they continue to put in towering performances against top clubs in the West before they eventually came unstuck against an impressive Buffs side who were able to target the slightest weakness in ruthless fashion.
THISTLE: Walker, McMaster, Hughes, McCreath, McGoldrick, Faulds, Sewell, McBryde, Frizzell, Davidson, Forbes. Subs: Devine, Thomson, McGowan (GK).