KSC Barca 0 -1 Largs Colts 2002

Colts travelled down to Kilwinning to meet old rivals KSC Barca in the league cup first round.

The visitors started strongly and had the hosts under pressure early. On three minutes a neat ball was played through to Brown and as he was about to pull the trigger he was taken down for a clear penalty. Unfortunately for the Barca defender the referee had no option but to show the red card and they were down to 10 men. Bainbridge stepped up to take responsibility and struck it well to the keeper's left though somehow the keeper reached the ball and it was cleared.

Smith and Blair then had efforts just wide of target. Just before half time keeper Irwin tried to take a quick goal kick and put it straight to the Barca player 20 yards from goal. Fortunately for Largs the striker couldn’t hit the target as the ref brought the half to an end.

Largs were frustrated not to capitalise on the extra man and started the second period brightly. A neat move down the right played in Blair who had his effort saved. Barca were getting more of the ball at this stage and they had an effort from a free kick which went wide of the target. Blair then went on a great run and tried to finish with the outside of his right foot when power may have been a better option. The midfield four in particular were working very hard to break up play and to set up chances. On 39 minutes a ball by R.Coupar found Brown who couldn’t get enough power on his header and it was saved. The deadlock was finally brown when a good move resulted in Cormack striking for goal. When the keeper could only parry Brown was on hand to put the ball into the empty net. Colts looked to get a decisive second and it was Bainbridge who created space and struck with power only for the ball to crash off the bar. The rebound fell to Cormack who struck and it came back for Blair with the ball just evading the speedy striker and the chance was gone

Barca kept up the pressure and Colts played on the counter attack. Although there were further chances Colts played out the remainder of the goal for a hard earned, if nervous, win.

This was a workmanlike performance from the Largs boys. No one player was at their best but the effort was excellent and sometimes you need to grind out results.

The defence also deserve credit for another clean sheet against one of the better teams in the league who until the day had never failed to score in a game. Man of the Match was a close call though is awarded to Cormack for tremendous effort in closing down the dangerous Barca winger and at the same time getting involved offensively including the crucial goal.

Colts now have three home league games to look forward to starting with the other KSC side in KSC Thistle. As the league moves to the half-way stage Colts remain in second place and will be looking to keep the strong record going. If you can make it along any of the next three Saturdays Colts play at Barrfields with a 10.30am kick-off and would really appreciate the support.

Largs: Irwin (GK), Barbour Loudon, Weir, Leishman, R.Coupar(C), Bainbridge, Cormack, Smith, Brown, Blair. Subs:. J.Coupar, MacNeil, Florence.