Largs and Hurlford draw a blank at Barrfields

Thistle supporters are still waiting to see a league goal at home from their favourites after 180 minutes of play in the West of Scotland Premier League.

Just like last week's match against Johnstone Burgh, the clash with Hurlford ended in a scoreless draw.

Last Wednesday, Will Sewell notched an impressive hat-trick for Thistle to down Cumnock, but some commentators reckon that Thistle need another experienced striker in their ranks to help following the loss of Scott Adam and Darryl Duffy for the rigours of cup and league action ahead.

The East Ayrshire side put up fierce resistance against Largs, who nearly scored near the end when sub Travis Stracey struck the bar.

Thistle opened play with Ryan McCreath restored to the centre of defence to partner Cory Hughes, with Sewell, David Ramsay and Jamie Martin providing the forward play.

It was Ramsay who had the first chance for Largs as he forced a save from O'Connor in the Hurlford goal after 12 minutes.

On 27 minutes, it was the visitors' who had their first opening of the game as Joe Wllton in the Largs goal competently dealt with Ross Robertson's shot.

With defences on top, and chances few and far between, it became a midfield battle for supremacy.

Jamie Martin attempts to make break through (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

On 59 minutes, Miller's attempt was saved by Wilton as Hurlford had their first attack in the second half.

A breakaway from Largs saw the supporters urge on Thistle with Ramsay in the clear but he was thwarted by a defender as the ball went out for a corner.

As the minutes ticked away, more chances followed as Largs looked to record their first home win of the league season.

Martin managed to thread his way into the box but his shot was held by the Hurlford keeper on 71 minutes, and then Lewis Davidson hit narrowly wide.

Travis Stracey and Ryan Deas came on for Martin and David McGrath as manager Stuart Davidson looked to change things up in the quest for a goal.

Will Sewell at kick-off, with David Ramsay, left, and Jamie Martin (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

However, this proved elusive with Stracey going closest as he nearly grabbed his first goal for the Barrfields club as he clattered an effort off the crossbar from close range on 85 minutes.

With two minutes of regulation time to go,  Ramsay broke through but fired just wide. Then Sewell managed to hit a shot on the turn but the Hurlford keeper managed to make an important save to see it out.

Ryan McCreath returned to starting line-up (Image: Newsquest)

It was perhaps indicative of the game that defender Cory Hughes got the man of the match of the award with Hurlford having a few dangerous chances in this game.

Largs are trying to arrange a friendly for Friday evening and have their next league game at Barrfields against recently promoted Drumchapel, who shocked Premier League champs Beith on Saturday with a 1-0 victory.

Thistle are now unbeaten in three and have scored three goals with only one conceded, and they will be looking for a big display as they attempt to get their first win at Barrfields Park against Drumchapel on Wednesday August 14, since a stunning 2-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot back in May in another midweek fixture with goals from McGrath and a fantastic finish from Davidson.

It could be a formidable challenge though as Drumchapel are sitting pretty in top spot with a 100 per cent record so far, with six goals scored, and only one conceded, so Largs very much will be looking to bring their 'A' game in their bid to get the winning feeling back to Barrfields.

Both Largs and Drumchapel are among five teams in the Premier League to be unbeaten in the opening three games.

LARGS: Wilton, Brady, Hughes, Faulds, McCreath, Devine, McGrath, Davidson, Martin, Ramsay, Sewell, Sub: Stracey, Ojungu, Cumming, McGeown, Deas, Johnston (GK).