Largs Thistle overcome Craigmark Burntonians in cup drama

LARGS keeper Joe Wilton was the hero of the hour after another fantastic penalty shootout performance to prevent plucky Craigmark securing a shock win.

History was in danger of repeating itself as the home side bounced back from two goals down to force a penalty shoot-out, two years after beating Largs in the Scottish Cup in 2022.

This time round, Largs, sitting proudly in 2nd spot in the Premier League, had a two goal cushion in the West of Scotland Cup 1st round against the Dalmellington side sitting in bottom spot in the Second Division, 46 places below them in the West of Scotland league.

Out of nowhere, Craigmark notched as surprise double to drag the match to the lottery of penalties.

However, this time, Largs had the added advantage of Joe Wilton between the sticks, who saved three penalties in last year's South of Scotland cup tie at Jeanfield Swifts, and once again came up trumps for Thistle, with another two top quality stops to edge Thistle into the next round.

Manager Stuart Davidson handed Travis Stracey his first start of the season as he replaced Jamie Martin in the forward line.

Both sides had early openings, with Craigmark seeing an early effort blocked while Will Sewell's downward header was turned away by the keeper to deny a certain goal.

Thistle were largely in control of the first half with Stracey just missing connection with a high cross from Sean McLeod.

And it was McLeod who opened the scoring for Largs on 19 minutes as he chased on to a ball to convert from the right for a top quality finish.

Sean McLeod shapes up for the opener against Craigmark on Saturday (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

A short corner was returned to Ryan Deas who raced into the box and curled it just wide with Sewell doing well to head back into play before a Craigmark clearance. 

Thistle started the second half in good form with a Sewell header blocked following a deep cross into the box, and then the same player scooped a half volleyed opportunity well over the bar.

On 50 minutes,  Wilton made a smart save to deny an angled strike on left from Dylan McLintock as the one goal advantage suddenly felt somewhat precarious.

Kieran Brady went down after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed penalty claims as Deas fired in an effort low which was well held by the keeper.

A high ball found McLintock in the clear in the Largs half, but his first touch let him down in the breeze and ball was rapidly cleared by Thistle.

Lewis Davidson swept the ball home from six yards after a good run to the byeline by McLeod as Largs moved two goals up on the hour mark to seemingly put this cup tie to bed.

Lewis Davidson tucks home number two but Largs were not safe (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

However, Craigmark made three substitutions with McLintock among the trio coming off for the home side who looked revitalised.

Out of nowhere the hosts managed to get a foothold in the game as Ben Dixon scored with an outrageous wind assisted effort from the left wing which floated over Wilton's head and into the top right hand corner of the net.

Nobody could quite believe it and it gave Craigmark a lifeline on 67 minutes as they were urged on by their increasingly vocal support.

Suddenly Thistle, who had looked pretty settled up to that point, were under pressure as Craigmark started taking more risks going forward in the breezy conditions, and they went close again with an angled effort which flashed across the face of goal.

Manager Davidson was bellowing 'Where are we?' as Largs had to defend their lines, but Craigmark managed to get a leveller as a long throw was launched into the box and headed home for an own goal by Blair Devine.

Jamie Martin had entered the fray for Largs as an excellent passing move on 85 minutes released Sewell who clipped an effort inches wide of the left post.

Largs were twice thwarted by the offside flag as seven minutes of stoppage time was played before the shrill of the full time whistle signalled penalties.

A Wilton wonderland: Thistle no 1 made two crucial saves in shootout to help Largs progress (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

Sewell, Deas, Martin and Stuart Faulds netted from the spot to edge Largs Thistle through into a second round tie at Lanark United next month.

And it was a massive relief to prevent Largs from slipping on a second banana skin in a row at Station Park as Thistle go marching on with a wakeup call which could serve them well with a timely reminder that they can't afford to take anyone lightly.

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