Half time changes were crucial in Thistle turnaround

It was a real topsy turvy affair between Largs Thistle and Benburb on Wednesday night.

A Largs legend in Frank Lovering, pictured, who won the West of Scotland Cup final in 1991, takes to do with the running of Benburb, and it was very much a case of mixed emotions for him on his return to Barrfields. 

Frank's son Paul, who featured for Ayr United and Airdrie as a player, is manager at Benburb.

I worried for Largs when Bens went 2-1 up.

After scoring the first goal I thought Largs just fell away and looked to me that there was no way back. Bens could have had the game wrapped up by half-time.

The changes Arnie made at half time made a massive difference , two central defenders on so no “square pegs in round holes”.

Largs deserved their win no doubt about that, and right from the start of the second half I thought they took control of the game.

Pic: George Wall

I thought George Sewell did well for Largs and worked hard, and there were positive signs with new signings Blair McIntyre and Ross Love in amongst the goals, before the clever winner from Scott Adam which showed good awareness and a finishing touch.

Thistle now face an away trip to Rutherglen Glencairn tomorrow who have started the season on fire after being promoted as champions of Division One. Glencairn have already secured victories over Kilbirnie Ladeside and Rob Roy.

Next after that for Thistle is an away trip to West of Scotland Cup winners Beith on Monday night in the 2nd round of the regional cup.

It is fast and furious at this stage of the season but that is the way Arnie would like it competing in the later stages of tournaments. Another factor is that all these games will help the new team to gel. Monday's winners will face an away trip to either Arthurlie or Renfrew on Wednesday evening. There really is no let up!