Largs Thistle 3 Troon 0


Thistle ramped it up in the second half to overcome a busy Troon side who forced Largs keeper Jamie McGowan into a series of top quality saves.
The visitors put up a very good fight in this encounter, and had the advantage of a fierce wind behind them as the match kicked off.
On 34 minutes, the best opening for Troon fell to Maley who nipped through on goal but his quickly taken effort was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Largs keeper Jamie McGowan.
It was a brighter second half display from Largs as they were beginning to get a real grip on this game with the wind in their sails.
And it was speedy Ben Black who was quickest to react to a botched clearance from Troon as the Thistle forward accelerated away and finished on the angle on 57 minutes. 
Thistle followed up with a quick second goal eight minutes later as 18 year old Ross Love rose high to head home at the near post from an inswinging corner.
It was a hammer blow for Troon who had put so much into this game but they continued to be dangerous on the counter.
Chatham managed to weave his way through from the right byeline but the Largs no.1 made himself big to block the effort.
It was game, set and match for Largs as sub Simon McBryde was quickest to react to a defensive mix-up from Troon, and sent an accomplished finish into the back of the net from 12 yards.
Despite the three goal deficit, tenacious Troon had a late chance as Gemmell's downward header in stoppage time was thwarted by McGowan who reacted well to dive down to his left and scramble it away.
It summed up the contest in a way as McGowan really made the difference with an inspiring goalkeeping display.

Thistle boss Stuart Davidson said it was a 'massive' three points for his side to keep them buoyant in the top half of the McBookie.com Premier League.


LARGS: McGowan, Forbes, McMaster, Hynes, Love, Faulds, McKinlay, MacIntyre, Adam, Harkins, Black. Subs; Brophy, Eardley, McBryde, Trialist, Lundy (GK).
Troon: Johnstone, Reilly, Barbour, Keenan, Strachan, Gallagher, Morrison, Maley, Gemmell, Chatham, Fulton. Subs: Henderson, Pooler, GIlmour, Vernon, McTaggart.
Photos: John Keachie
Next Game: Saturday 8 February, McBookie.com Premier Division, Beith (A), Bellsdale Park, 2pm kick-off.