Largs Thistle: Coach Andy Scott calls for club consistency

St Cadoc's were recently promoted but have already been a handful in the Premier League, laying down a marker early with a surprise win at Auchinleck Talbot, so Thistle know they need to be fully prepared.

Largs, currently sitting in eleventh spot on seven points, could jump ahead of St Cadoc's, sitting in seventh and two points ahead, in the ultra competitive West of Scotland Premier League. Thistle are also mindful that St Cadoc's picked up a good result in the Scottish Cup themselves with a 2-1 victory over Blantyre Vics.

Largs are still counting the cost of their injury list with Lewis Davidson and Ryan McCreath still recovering, while Liam Lapsley was stretchered off at Pollok.

Skipper Scott Adam and midfielder David McGrath should also be back in contention to bolster the squad after missing last Saturday's clash.

Andy Scott was delighted with the manner of the victory and said: "It was a solid win. 

"Although Lugar were a fourth division team, we didn't know much about them, and we could see from their league stats that they had scored 20-plus goals in seven games so we knew we couldn't take any chances, specially after our defeat to Craigmark last year in the opening round of the competition, and it was a professional performance.

"I am always saying that we need to impose ourselves early and get a goal and Will Sewel was on hand to get us the early goal which settled us down.

"Lugar played with a 4-5-1 formation and were a wee bit physical. We had a couple of corners and half chances and managed to get number two thanks to James Martin who was in the right position at the far post to finish off. It was good pay and Jamie was up in the box where we wanted him to be.

"Ramsay rounded the keeper for a decent finish and added another and Cory also had a good finish so all in all it was a very satisfying afternoon.

Largs scorer David Ramsay in action v Lugar (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"It could have been more and Darryl Duffy was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post late on."

Turning his attentions to the challenge of St Cadoc's, Andy Scott predicted it could be a very close battle.

He said: "They seem to have a decent result, then a poor one, and struggle for consistency.

"They also seem to have a style very close to ourselves where they like to get the ball down and play and use their wingers.

"We really need to start showing some consistency, and we made a good start with the Lugar victory after the Pollok defeat, but we need to show what we are capable of in the league."

Largs are also hoping to capitalise on building up some momentum with this being the second home game out of three coming up.

Scott said: "The supporters could play a very valuable part, as there could only be one goal in it, and if the players are tiring at the end, or need any motivation, having that home support behind you can be critical. Our supporters are very patient, and have been brilliant, backing us through thick and thin.

Largs Thistle in action v Lugar (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

"Netting five goals, and getting a clean sheet, is good for confidence, and fans can play a big part, specially if the match is close, to help us get over the finishing line.

Speaking about the injuries to McGreath and Davidson, which has seen them return to light training, Scott said: "We have not rushed them back as the worse thing is to make the injury worse, and we are just taking our time with them, and making sure they are ready. They have been working away with the physios and hopefully it will be soon."

* Largs Thistle face a second round Scottish Cup match away to Ashfield on October 7 - their first meeting since Thistle's famous Premier League play-off victory in 2013. 

* Scoutable-Largs Thistle under-20s won their first match on Friday with a 3-2 win at Maryhill, goals scored by Ross Jackson and Jude Bradshaw.

Next Game: September 9, West of Scotland Premier Division, Largs v St Cadoc's, 2pm kick-off, Barrfields Park.