Largs win Derek Scott Memorial Trophy at Kilbirnie

Thistle's 4-0 win at Valefield Park made it four wins from four as Stuart Davidson's men gear up for the start of the West of Scotland Football League season at the end of this month, looking to recapture the fine form with which they finished the 2023-24 Premier Division campaign.

There were plenty of familiar faces, including former defender John Tennant and strikers Alan Frizzell and Scott Lewis, featuring for The Blasties.

Thistle were dominant from the off and had an early opportunity through Lewis Davidson, whose half volley was saved by ex-Largs keeper Jamie McGowan.

Pre-match plaque presentation: Ian McDonald and captain Danny Bamford from Kilbirnie, referee Scott McGregor, and the Scott family of wife Joyce, Derek's grandsons Dylan and Kyle, and son Ian, with Largs captain Stuart Faulds. (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

It was a trialist who got Largs off to a good start as he forced the ball past McGowan following a high ball from the left on 21 minutes.

Largs were very much in the ascendancy and it was no surprise when Thistle notched a second goal on 38 minutes as Stuart Faulds thumped home from the edge of the area.

Goalscorer Stuart Faulds was a handful for Kilbirnie and scored a cracker (Image: Newsquest)

Thistle went close again before and after the break with the Kilbirnie goal leading a charmed life, with an assortment of defenders' legs and McGowan's body blocking efforts from Will Sewell and Jamie Martin as the visitors refused to give the Ladeside back line a moment's peace.

Well known Largs Thistle supporter Graeme Swanson runs the line (Image: Newsquest)

Kilbirnie were more of a force after the break, and started to create some good openings, but shots were flying high and wide and they lacked the composure of Thistle, who broke forward with purpose and looked very dangerous and capable of scoring at will.

Talismanic frontman Sewell added goal number three for Largs as he swept the ball home from the edge of the box with a magnificent low curling shot which gave McGowan no chance just after the hour mark.

McGowan denies Sewell with top drawer save from fierce free kick in second half action (Image: Newsquest)

Sewell could have scored another if it hadn't been for some excellent keeping from McGowan who pushed the Thistle striker's fierce free kick wide.

But Sewell again left the Ladeside defenders for dead as man of the match Jamie Martin rounded off another top display to complete the scoring by tapping home at the far post.

Jamie Martin makes it four for Largs to round off man of the match display (Image: Newsquest)

Thistle played with real finesse and attacking flair and it was no exaggeration to say that this could have been eight or nine such was their dominance .

Sub Travis Stracey, who hails originally from Largs, looked impressive again off the bench as Largs rang the changes towards the end.

Thistle also had to do without keeper Joe Wilton who they will be hoping will be making a quick return.

Cory Hughes in action for Largs Thistle (Image: Newsquest)

Making his debut, keeper Lewis McNeill of Largs Thistle 2008s featured during the second half, showing the progression through the ranks of the community set-up.

Lewis McNeill makes Thistle debut in goals (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

Derek Scott's family were on hand to present the trophy to Thistle, who will now be hungry to test themselves in more challenging circumstances at home to newly-promoted Johnstone Burgh in their first league game on July 27.

This was the second annual contest for the trophy, with a good crowd enjoying plenty of drama and a few feisty moments.

It's hoped the game will go on to become an ever-present feature of both sides' pre-season warm-ups in years to come, in memory of a much missed character who was a footballing ambassador in Largs at all levels.

The Scott family would like to thank Duncan McIntyre from Scotland Tournaments for donating the trophies, and also to Kilbirnie Ladeside for all their help and assistance on the day at Valefield Park.

Largs Thistle: Trialist, McLeod, Hughes, Faulds, Martin, Davidson, Sewell, Trialist, McGrath, Bradley, Devine. Subs: McMaster, Ojungu, Trialists.

Kilbirnie: McGowan, Tennant, Johnstone, Isherwood, Ferry, Wilson, McCubbins, Bamford, Lewis, Scullion, Frizzell. Subs: Robertson, Tan, McCloy, Trialists.

Thistle's next match is at home to Petershill on Saturday, July 20, with a 2pm kick-off at Barrfields.