Largs Thistle move up to second after great Glenafton win

LARGS served notice that last week's victory over Auchinleck Talbot was no fluke as they moved up to second spot in the West of Scotland Premier League with an impressive win at Glenafton.

Thistle's impressive form over recent weeks has seen the goals flying in with Auchinleck lucky to hold Largs to only three goals last week at Barrfields, and that was backed up with a solid win in East Ayrshire against a traditionally tough opponent.

Largs were very much on the front foot throughout the encounter and created a series of good opportunities, whilst Glens certainly contributed to an entertaining encounter and managed to carve out a number of chances of their own.

The match opened with Thistle looking fresh as striker Will Sewell forced an early save from Ally Semple in the Glens goal and Blair Devine headed wide after a good cross, all in the first few minutes.

Sewell raced on to a high ball over the top of the Glens defence, and his clever turn and volley was imaginative but floated wide of the target.

Glenafton then created their first dangerous chance and Michael Mullen's fast paced shot had to be beaten away by the alert Joe Wilton in the Largs goal.

Jamie Martin can't stop scoring these days for Largs after his recent hat trick against Bellshill as he made it 1-0 on 15 minutes when he tucked the ball home from ten yards low into the corner.

Jamie Martin celebrates opener at Glenafton (Image: Newsquest)

Sewell's energetic pace saw him blaze through defenders but the angle was too tight as he smashed an effort off the side netting on the left.

Glens managed to compose themselves and started to launch some good counter attacks to relieve the pressure.

There was a good opportunity for Glens as a high ball into the area from the right was headed over by Mullen, followed by a goalmouth scramble as Largs desperately cleared their lines.

Glenafton v Largs was a highly competitive clash (Image: Newsquest)

Lewis Davidson had a great opportunity to cement Thistle's lead but his rifled shot from 15 yards was saved by Semple on the 40 minutes mark.

Two minutes later, and Glens smashed the woodwork after a sensational move and volley effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Largs managed to get back into their pressing rhythm at the start of the second half.

Sewell hit a diagonal shot into the bottom left hand corner to make it 2-0 on 50 minutes and make it nine goals out of nine in league encounters to date.

Skipper Stuart Faulds let rip following a Largs short corner and pass to the edge of the box, but his effort flashed wide of the left post, as Glens' Hugh Kerr blazed over with a header at the other end.

Will Sewell all smiles in goal celebrations (Image: Newsquest)  Sewell was yellow carded for a tactical foul to stop the East Ayrshire men swarming forward with Largs racing back themselves during one dangerous counter from the home side.

Laurie McMaster then got his body in the way to prevent a goalbound shot from Glens as the hosts came close again.

There was controversy on 69 minutes as Glens pulled a goal back when Wilton appeared to make the save as he clawed the ball out to seemingly prevent it crossing the line.

However officials said it was over the line. This suddenly changed the dynamics of the contest and gave Glens a lifeline. 

With the home support roaring on the Glens, it turned into an exciting end to end contest, with Largs looking to kill off the encounter by restoring their two goal cushion.

Glens Jared Willet headed over from a good position after another good counter from the home side but Largs were continuing to create the better opportunities.

Devine's half volleyed blast was brilliantly saved by Semple at full stretch, while Sean McLeod's solo run and shot also blocked by the busy Glens keeper.

The home hopes of an equaliser suffered a body blow with the red card of Cameron Ross for his second bookable offence with ten minutes left.

An angled shot from Martin was well saved by Semple again, as Largs saw out this game after four minutes of stoppage time to massive cheers from the visiting support. 

Thistle boss Stuart Davidson shakes hands with Glens management after hard fought contest at Loch Park (Image: Newsquest)

Stuart Davidson's side deserve full credit for collecting three points at a difficult venue and thoroughly merited this win in a performance of hard graft, determination and desire. 

LARGS: Wilton, McLeod, McMaster, Brady, Hughes, Faulds, Deas, Davidson, Martin, Sewell, Devine, Ojungu, Cumming, McCreath, Bradley, Johnston (GK).