Ayrshire: Largs lose out in topsy turvy league thriller to Troon

Largs lost out in one of the most bizarre encounters ever seen at Barrfields Park on Saturday.

Thistle largely dominated play and could have won it 8-4 but still contrived to lose this game.

Thistle looked like they were about to run rampant after a storming start to this game where they hit the bar after only two minutes, took the lead after four, and had other gilt edged chances before even ten minutes were on the clock as it was Troon who looked all at sea.

But out of nowhere Troon suddenly stunned Barrfields with two exceptional goals which turned this game on its head, including an outrageous effort from the halfway line by ex-Talbot star Mark Shankland, in an almost Houdini-like turnaround - but there was much more to come.

Largs scored a leveller and then had a handful of great openings and looked to be closing in on victory, when Troon again, almost inexplicably, scored twice, having weathered a pretty sizeable storm to suddenly be in command.

And with Largs pulling a goal back near the end, Troon saw it out to win by the odd goal in seven to collect maximum points - and leave Thistle reeling.

The Troon goal led a charmed life just minutes after kick off as Stuart Faulds 'wonderful lobbed pass picked out the onrushing David Ramsay, who cleverly chipped keeper Dale Burgess, with a Troon defender somehow clearing the goalbound shot off the line courtesy of an outstretched leg.

Jamie Martin's follow-up shot from the rebound was then headed off the line by another Troon defender as Largs' luck deserted them; something which was to be a common thread throughout this clash.

Largs moved ahead though on four minutes as Jamie Martin launched a diagonal strike from the left hand side which was deflected into the net.

Darryl Duffy then held off the attention of two defenders as he managed to lob the Troon keeper, but the ball drifted inches wide of the left post.

Duffy headed over from a left hand cross as Thistle's high pressing style was causing Troon real problems.

Troon's Ben Black forced Largs keeper Matt Johnston into a block with his feet, but the ex-Largs winger was not to be denied a second time as he galloped away after a lightning-quick counter from the visitors and converted with a difficult diagonal strike on 24 minutes.

And a minute later Largs were losing as Shankland in the centre circle seized on a loose ball and walloped it high in the air to score one of the most spectacular goals seen at Barrfields in a long time.

That gave Troon the half-time advantage - but on 58 minutes, Stuart Davidson's side drew level when David Ramsay prodded home after another goalmouth scramble in the Troon box.

The arrival of Will Sewell off the bench added a fresh injection of pace for Largs as he dashed down the left and teed up Ramsay, who opened his body, but sliced his effort wide with the goal gaping.

Duffy's header was then cleared off the line by the under-siege Troon defence.

Ex St Johnstone and Morton midfielder Chris Millar then came off the bench and with his first touch of the game struck the ball through a ruck of players in the goalmouth to make it 3-2 to Troon on 75 minutes.

And another sub Lleyton Dunlop had the simple job of tapping home Troon's fourth from just a few yards out after Largs were stretched on 84 minutes.

Duffy pulled back a consolation three minutes from time after beating a defender to fire home following a dangerous run and cross from Sewell.

This was undeniably a smash and grab by Troon, who showed resilience to keep coming back and take their chances, but Largs will wonder how on earth they didn't win.

While that has been a common story for Thistle this season, this particular defeat felt even more incredible given Largs were in command for long spells and carved out some magnificent openings.

There was also a high yellow card count as some feisty challenges went in as the match swung from end to end. 

Troon's management players and fans roared their approval come the full-time whistle after holding off Largs who were left in a state of disbelief.

LARGS: Johnston, McLeod, Devine, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds, McGrath,Davidson, Rarmsay, Martin. Subs; Cumming, Sewell, Forbes, McMaster, Adam.

TROON: Burgess, McCloskey, Docherty, Smith, Morrison, Black, Shankland, Gilroy, Moore, Fulton, Gallagher (GK). Subs: McLevy, Boyd, Dunlop, Strain, Millar, Marks, Fisher (GK).