Largs Thistle AFC 3 Ochiltree 1

Largs made it four wins from four since the return of player manager McGowan, grinding out a hard fought victory against a well organised Ochiltree Community FC.

The starting eleven included new recruit Matthew Ashe, signed from Largs Thistle until the end of the season, with the young right back producing a highly accomplished performance in both defence and attack.

Largs were ahead after 20 minutes when evergreen utility man Cockerill played a hopeful ball forward, causing confusion between Ochiltree defence and keeper. Largs' striker Lindsay was on hand to tap home into an empty net.

Ochiltree were back level almost immediately when then away striker raced clean through before slotting neatly into the bottom left corner of the net.

The remainder of the first half was an even affair with Largs creating a number of chances through the good midfield play of Marshall, McGowan and Russell, whilst Ochiltree continued to threaten.

Largs took the lead before half time when Russell won the ball in his own half and set Cockerill off down the line. Cockerill's crossfield pass off the outside of the boot found Ashe. The young right back played in Lindsay who expertly clipped the ball over the advancing keeper.

Following the re-start, Largs quickly added a third with excellent passing linking up from Marshall, McGowan and Ashe sending Donaldson through, who finished high into the net to continue a hot scoring streak for the former Winton Rovers man.

Largs could have sealed the victory when top scorer Mills went through one on one, but this time failed to beat the keeper. Russell, who has found form of late, then found space in front of goal, but his tame shot failed to trouble the keeper.

Lindsay's power and pace upfront continued to cause trouble for the away defence but Largs were unable to add a fourth.

As the game wore on Ochiltree were reduced to 10 men when their defender was perhaps harshly adjudged to have committed serious foul play with a high tackle.

Largs suffered a blow late on, when Mills was taken off injured and McGowan will now hope the club captain can return to fitness in time for next Saturday's fixture away to Whitletts.

Largs would like to thank JG Sharps and Largs Thistle Community Club for their continued support.

Team: Cunningham, Cockerill (McGill), Robson, Mitchell, Ashe, Russell (Riddell), McGowan (Quinn), Marshall, Donaldson, Lindsay, Mills (Wilson).