Largs Thistle are shaping up for a big month ahead as they host struggling Shotts Bon Accord on Saturday, before a home Scottish Cup tie versus Sauchie on September 7.
Manager Stuart Davidson will be looking for Largs to bounce back quickly as they unexpectedly dropped points at 15th placed Benburb on Saturday, despite Will Sewell scoring a hat-trick. The opposition snatched a point, with both sides hitting the woodwork late on in the contest.
Thistle's form has been unpredictable with home scoreless draws against Johnstone Burgh and Hurlford United before a highly impressive 2-0 victory against Drumchapel in the last home fixture, and were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at Premier League champs Beith.
Largs will be looking to make Barrfields Park a fortress as they look ahead to four big fixtures coming up all at home.
Shotts, like Benburb, are also near the foot of the table, and have lost four out of five games so far this season, with their only win so far coming at Benburb with a 2-0 victory. However, they have been building some momentum.
Shotts have hit some form with two wins in a row. Following the victory over Benburb, the North Lanarkshire side recorded a 2-1 win against First Division side Rutherglen Glencairn in the first round of the South of Scotland Cup after extra-time last weekend.
They bounced back from conceding an early goal in the game to equalise on 14 minutes, before going on to dominate the second half and extra time when they got their winner.
Their league match against St Cadoc's on Saturday was postponed, disrupting their momentum, but Thistle need to be wary that Shotts have their tails up after two wins on the trot.
Will Sewell has been a shining light for Largs and there is a lot of reliance on his goalscoring feats, particularly so with the absence of David Ramsay on Saturday, but his speed and awareness means that Sewell can also provide valuable assists for his teammates.
The new captain this season has been Stuart Faulds who has been a long standing deputy to Scott Adam in recent years, with Laurie McMaster now stepping up to be vice captain from this season. He is one of Thistle's longest serving players, having signed in 2017.
Thistle will look to continue the high pressing style over the course of their next month which proved to be such a handful for Drumchapel, as they have four home games in a row coming up.
Following the Sauchie encounter, Largs face Bellshill on September 14 in the South of Scotland Cup, before facing Auchinleck Talbot on September 21 on league business, with their next road trip not coming till September 28 at Glenafton.
* Largs Thistle under-20s are looking to sign experienced players born between 2005 and 2007 to strengthen our existing squad. With 14 players already signed on, we’re focused on adding talent that can make an impact.
Message Nick on 07963 741433 to learn more.
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