Largs face Auchinleck Talbot in mouthwatering clash

Thistle keeper Joe Wilton has not had to pick the ball out of his net in the past five games at home, amounting to over 450 minutes of action, with the Largs defence coming out on top.

The last goal to be scored at Barrfields in the Premier League against Largs came from last season's champions Beith on May 1 in a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors.

Thistle's commanding home form has further been backed up by an impressive 7-0 demolition job of Bellshill Athletic in the South of Scotland Cup as Largs look towards their big clash with Talbot.

Both clubs are neck and neck in the West of Scotland Premier League table on 12 points with an identical goal difference.

Thistle sit one place ahead of Tommy Sloan's side in fourth spot courtesy of having scored more goals.

Keeping up appearances: Thistle number one Joe Wilton (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking in the match programme, boss Stuart Davidson has taken the time to praise the lesser lights of the Largs side who don't necessarily receive the headlines such as Wilton, McMaster and Davidson.

Davidson also spoke about the high quality of the recent displays including Thistle's 2-0- win over Sauchie in the second round of the Scottish Junior Cup.

He said: "The main thing with a cup tie is to get through to the next round. I thought it could be a tricky tie, but in the end we were very comfortable.

"Defensively we were solid and didn't look like losing a goal. I think they managed one shot on target . On the attacking side we always looked a threat, and could have got a couple more goals.

"To play as well as we did against a side who've had a great start to the season was as much as I could have hoped for.

"It's important to have control of the game especially here at Barrfields. When you get the first goal that control is even more important.

"You can't let the opposition back into the game while still have a platform to try and get more goals. We had that balance throughout the game.

"We moved the ball well, we turned them by playing passes into feet, cut off their route to goal and generally showed a lot of maturity. 

Laurie McMaster in action  (Image: Newsquest) "When you have players such as Joe Wilton, Cory Hughes, Lewis Davidson, and Laurie McMaster, who show that maturity then that helps the other players.

"These guys maybe don't grab the headlines ,but their experience is important to the team, and they work very hard for us in every match.

"There were top performances throughout the team, but these guys are the ones who through their leadership who give us the platform to go and play."

Thistle community club update: Under-15s lost to Glenburn, while Largs under-17s won 8-3 and go top of the league. Scorers for the 17s were Aidan Hodge with three, Jack Renton, Cameron Greenhorn, Aiden Braxton, Joseph McLean and Alex Renton.

Luke Rafferty scored Largs under-20s goal in a defeat against Renfrew.

The 20s are seeking players with experience to support the team, and the club are seeking additional coaches - Message Nick on 07963 741433 to learn more.

The Largs Thistle Gentleman’s Dinner takes place on Saturday, November 9 at the Willowbank Hotel. Tickets are £40 per person and £350 for a table of ten, and available from the committee. 

The winner of Largs patrons 200 club for September is Carol McConnell who wins the £250 prize.