LARGS Thistle have dedicated their crucial away victory over Glenafton to match secretary Derek Scott following the Barrfields stalwart's sudden passing.

Derek's son and Largs coach Andy Scott praised the players, management and committee for rallying round and supporting his family as Thistle recorded an important win at Loch Park to see in 2023.

Andy's family, including wife Alison, brother Ian and children Kyle and Dylan, were at the match, with a minute's applause held as a tribute to his father.

The Barrfields coach believes Derek was an inspiration in last Friday's victory as they managed to secure the narrow 1-0 victory over Glens through an own goal.

He said: "I was delighted with the way the boys showed togetherness and battled for each other and it was one of those games with the wind and rain that everyone knew their role and had to stick together.

"There was not much in the game and we just felt going in at half-time that a mistake was probably going to win or lose the game and the players' concentration levels were going to have to be high. 

"We didn't want to give Glenafton a sniff after we took the lead.

"It was one of those games if you switched off at any given moment you could be in trouble and thankfully we managed to push on and get the victory at a very hard place.

"Stuart Davidson turned to me after the Glens own goal and said that it was Derek that put the ball over the line.

"Afterwards I thanked all the boys for their support and messages which have been a great help to the family. 

"Derek would certainly have been proud of the battling spirit on show to get the victory on the evening.

"I'd like to personally thank Jim McDonald, Alex Anderson and Ally McMaster who were all a great help on the evening in making sure all the gear was ready for the boys and looked after - it was a huge effort from everyone at the club."

Manager Stuart Davidson said: "Everyone was aiming for the three points, and we wanted to get a fitting victory that Derek would have been proud of.

"Not only was it a win for Derek but a win for the whole Scott family who do so much for the club.

"Glenafton did a great job in getting the match playable and the wind and rainy conditions on the night played its part in the game. 

"It was always going to take a goal like that to separate the teams and luckily for us we got the bit of luck.

"At times we have not had the rub of the green, so it was good to get a bit in our favour this time round.

"Glens had a few long balls into the box, but we defended well and didn't really give them any opportunities in the second half. 

"East Ayrshire is a very difficult place to go but we have had a few good wins down at Loch Park now.

"It was a good all-round performance.

"People perhaps didn't realise everything Derek did for the club from getting the teamlines ready to the team kit being prepared - and the committee all really chipped in last Friday evening and we are so thankful for everybody's help on the evening."

Largs are now preparing for another away mission as they head to Cambuslang Rangers on Saturday looking to get the win which eluded them the last time the teams played in November when the opposition netted a late winner at Barrfields.

Davidson said: "Cambuslang deserved their win - we had a good part of the game where we didn't take our chances and we are now looking to reverse that on Saturday.

"Our main aim is to get more points on the board - we have a couple of bodies back in the squad which is a good feeling and I felt we were more resilient against Glenafton because of that.

"Laurie McMaster had been ill all week before the Glens game as had Simon McBryde, and Stuart Faulds, but everyone came in and put in a good shift and it showed the character of the squad.

"I still feel there is much more to come from David Ramsay and Scott Lewis. They haven't had a lot of time playing together consistently, but I feel the more they build a connection they will show themselves to be a good partnership and Alan Frizzell also has worked very hard this season up front.

"January is a critical month for us and we are playing some very good teams, so we need to be at our best and bring our 'A' game and keep getting points on the board."
During the start of 2023, Largs face only one home game in five when they play high-flying Beith, with trips to Cambuslang, Rob Roy, Cumnock and then Petershill.

West of Scotland Premier Division results: Kilwinning Rangers 4 Irvine Meadow 2; Cumnock 2 Darvel 4; Troon 2 Petershill 2; Auchinleck 3 Hurlford 1; Beith 7 Cambuslang 0; Rob Roy 0 Pollok 2.