Largs AFC 4-2 Kilmarnock AFC

Largs AFC rounded off 2015 by earning a vital three league points after a hard-fought tussle with Kilmarnock AFC at Barrfields on Saturday.

Having not played a league match since mid-October, three points were a must as the local side look to climb the Division Two table.

In the game’s early stages, both sides looked like as though they may have got into the festive spirit a few days early, with a lack of any quality on the ball being the main feature of the match’s first ten minutes.

With half an hour on the clock, Largs broke the deadlock. Fraser Russell’s pinpoint cross-field pass was picked up by Clark, who skipped by his marker and cut the ball back to Gordon Smith. Buoyed by his two goals the previous week, Smith finished confidently.

A solitary goal split the sides at half-time, though it was clear from the game’s opening period that Largs would have a fight on their hands to earn the much-needed victory.

After the restart, the home side created a few early opportunities to add a crucial second goal. A superb long range shot from Scott Cameron went narrowly wide, while, soon after, Martin Dunlop struck the crossbar, having been set up by Cameron.

As the game approached the hour mark, Largs captain Mitchell was withdrawn due to work commitments and was replaced in the middle of the park by Aaron Alexander.

Kilmarnock drew level when Cunningham misjudged a long range effort, which ended up in the corner of his net.

With Largs perhaps feeling sorry for themselves, Kilmarnock struck again. This time Cunningham had no chance, as the away side’s number 10 engineered some space in the box before finishing confidently with his left foot.

The setback sparked Largs into life and they quickly sought to restore parity to the match. Grant Cockerill replaced the hard-working Smith up front and immediately created problems for the Kilmarnock backline.

With 15 minutes remaining, the equaliser arrived. Following a goalmouth scramble, the ball dropped to teenager George Hawkins whose firm shot found the net with the aid of a deflection from a Kilmarnock defender.

The goal the home support had been waiting for arrived with little more than five minutes remaining when Cameron took advantage of a mistake by the Kilmarnock ‘keeper to slot the ball into the empty net.

Largs added a fourth when Cockerill found himself with a clear run on goal after Cameron had flicked on a Chris McMillan pass from the left channel.

A terrific team spirit has been evident in Largs performances of late, which proved to be the vital factor in Saturday’s hard-fought victory.

The local side will now enjoy a well-earned festive break, with the exception of a couple of friendly matches, before returning in January.

Largs would like to thank JG Sharps for their continued sponsorship, support and post-match hospitality.

Largs: Cunningham, Robson (McMillan), McGowan, Campbell, Hawkins, Dunlop, Mitchell (Alexander), Russell, Cameron, Smith (Cockerill). Subs: Hill, Wilson.