Ex Rangers star nets Largs Thistle winner in cup thriller

Thistle made it back-to-back wins on the road in the Scottish Cup following late drama in Airdrie.

After last week's delayed second round victory at Ashfield, Thistle faced a testing trip to Lanarkshire to play Gartcairn who have had some notable victories of late. 

The contest saw Gartcairn take first blood in this cup tie in only six minutes of play as a shot from Kamil Karol from outside the box bounced off the underside of the bar after good control from Scott Stevenston's pass for a smart finish.

Cory Hughes in action (Image: Newsquest)

Keeper Liam Russell denied Will Sewell with a good save on 25 minutes as Largs looked for a way back into this contest.

A handball decision on the Gartcairn box saw the referee point to the spot on 36 minutes as Will Sewell converted for his 13th goal of the season.

Largs had the ball in the back of the net after 47 minutes but the referee blew the whistle for an earlier infringement.

Will Sewell in action (Image: Newsquest)

A looping Gartcairn cross found Kroll whose volleyed effort was palmed around the post by Joe Wilton on 55 minutes as the game swung from end to end.

Thistle burst upfield and took the lead on the hour mark as Sean McLeod's cross was headed back across goal by Will Sewell and skipper Scott Adam netted with a super header from a great position.

Midfielder David McGrath went close for Largs on 62 minutes. 

And Largs continued to push up with Sewell, ever the dangerman, forcing Liam
Russell into another good save for the hosts.

Gartcairn levelled on 82 minutes with a well taken finish and nearly scored again but missed a good opportunity for a rebound after another Wilton save.

With a penalty shoot out looming, Largs edged ahead once more on 85 minutes as ex Rangers forward Darryl Duffy made it 3-2 after coming off the bench - and Thistle did enough to see it out to secure a secure a fourth round tie at home to Lochee United on December 2. 

But first Largs turn their attentions to a trip to Auchinleck on league business on Wednesday night as they look to maintain their unbeaten run going back to August. 

LARGS: Wilton, McLeod, McMaster, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds, Ramsay, Davidson, Sewell, Adam, McGrath. Subs: Duffy, McBryde, Devine, Martin, McLean, Cummings, Forbes.