Largs Thistle 3 Maryhill 2

An exciting five goal final was the perfect way to round off 'The Pat Rall Memorial Tournament' on Sunday afternoon with his beloved Largs Thistle coming out on top in a dramatic encounter with Maryhill full of ups and downs.

Pat Rall memorial trophy was a great success in memory of a much loved and popular character at Barrfields ParkPat Rall memorial trophy was a great success in memory of a much loved and popular character at Barrfields Park (Image: Newsquest)

Maryhill were the opponents after a 4-3 win over Greenock Juniors on Saturday morning, while Largs had won 4-1 against Port Glasgow on Saturday afternoon, to set up the big final encounter.

Largs opened with some spark from the day before and came very close to taking the lead on five minutes as Will Sewell blazed through on the right but his angled shot flashed across the face of goal when everyone expected the net to bulge.

It was far from the traditional start of season fayre as Maryhill made a right go of the game and were throwing defenders in front of shots and blocking Largs at every opportunity.

Their efforts paid off when they took a surprise first half lead against the run of play, as Jordan Duffy was quickest to react to a high cross from the left to head home.

Will Sewell and Jamie Martin kick off proceedings, and were both on the scoresheet in an eventful afternoon in memory of Pat RallWill Sewell and Jamie Martin kick off proceedings, and were both on the scoresheet in an eventful afternoon in memory of Pat Rall (Image: Newsquest)

Maryhill were looking good at the start of the second half and created some dangerous opportunities with Largs keeper Joe Wilton having to make an excellent save to deny the visitors a two goal lead from an angled drive on the right following a breakaway.

Another chance went begging for the Glasgow side as two defenders got in the way of each other at the far post as they tried to head home a high ball into the box.

(Image: Newsquest)

Largs were continuing to press and got their reward from the dead ball route as Jamie Martin fired home on 68 minutes, and a minute later, the game had turned completely as trialist Ryan Deas' high ball from the left caught the keeper unaware and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

And on 75 minutes, Thistle were seemingly home and dry as Will Sewell blazed through and converted in clinical fashion.

There was still time for Maryhill to pull a late goal back though as Hamilton fired home to reduce the deficit but it was too little too late for the Glasgow side as the full-time whistle sounded not long after, with Largs managing to find a freshness and zip in the second half to get over the finishing line against the plucky Maryhill battlers.

It was a great weekend in memory of a much loved character around Barrfields Park who is greatly missed in Pat Rall, and Pat's family had a fundraising tombola which brought in funds for cancer charities including The Beatson.

David McGrath in the thick of it in tournament clashDavid McGrath in the thick of it in tournament clash (Image: Newsquest)

All in all, it was a well organised weekend and gave Largs an early run-out before the serious business begins and the season starts on July 27, and although still a few weeks away, there were plenty of positive signs across both days that Thistle are in fine fettle for the big kick-off.

LARGS: Wilton, McMaster, Trialist, Davidson, Faulds, Martin, Sewell, Ramsay, Trialist, McGrath, Trialist. Subs: Davidson, Ojungu, McGrath, Trialist, Devine, Devine, GK Trialist.

* The winners of the Largs Thistle Patrons 200 club winner for May was Lesley Wraith £250 and June David Young £250.

* Largs Thistle under-20s are looking for players to join the local under-20s team. Young men born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and in all playing positions will be considered. Largs will this season play in the West of Scotland Football Development League, on Friday evenings, and feed into the senior team. To learn more call, message or WhatsApp Largs Thistle Chair Alistair McMaster on 07775 578795.

* Thistle's next friendly is at home on Saturday July 6 to Broomhill, 2pm kick-off at Barrfields Park.

Trophy winners! Stuart Faulds and Jamie Martin of Largs Thistle Image (Largs Thistle FC)