LARGS Thistle's eight game unbeaten run will be put to the test against an in-form Gartcairn who have already shown that big reputations matter little to them this season.

Stuart Davidson's side have been on top form recently with some big wins against Auchinleck and Glenafton catapulting them to second spot in the West of Scotland Premier Division.

However, their opponents this Saturday are also a surprise package in the Premier Division, and sit only two points behind Largs, and know that a win against the Barrfields side would see them leapfrog Thistle.

Largs were unbeaten against the Airdrie outfit last season, and will be looking to fend them off again this weekend.

Gartcairn are licking their wounds after a Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Arthurlie on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes.

But they will be looking to get back to winning ways having recorded five league wins in a row, including a victory at league champions Beith. Their last league win was a comfortable 5-1 win at struggling Benburb on October 12.

Largs were also involved in three dramatic encounters with Gartcairn last season. A late Jamie Martin equaliser secured a draw in the opening league game of last season in Airdrie, before Largs managed to outlast Gartcairn in a dramatic 3-2 win in the Scottish Cup, with their only encounter in 2024 being a 4-2 win for Largs back in March at Barrfields Park.

Largs Thistle players a busy schedule of games after a free Saturday in which they played Whitletts and won 4-1 in a friendly.Largs Thistle players face a busy schedule of games after a free Saturday in which they played Whitletts and won 4-1 in a friendly. (Image: Newsquest)

Thistle have had a three week break from the league duty due to cup action and a free Saturday, and will hope to carry on from where they left off with back to back wins against East Ayrshire outfits Auchinleck (3-1 at home), and Glenafton (2-1 away)

Goals from Ryan Deas, Chris McGeown, Blair Devine, Lewis Davidson eased Largs to victory in Saturday's friendly at home to Whitletts Vics.

Looking back at the league performances, Thistle boss Stuart Davidson said in the match programme: "The Auchinleck game was a good result in tough conditions. It was a windy day, and we've had those conditions before and haven't made the best of it

"I am pretty confident that had there been no wind we would still have got the result that day. We looked hungrier and we were the better team.

"It was another difficult game as Glenafton had a new manager in charge. When we went two up, I thought were going to kick on and get some more.

"Glenafton grabbed one back, but the lads managed the rest of the game well and we got the three points. When a side has a new manager - as we saw at Benburb - it can give the team a lift. Thankfully, we dealt with it well at Glenafton.

"Getting six points from these two fixtures was exactly what we wanted, and it kept momentum going."

Following Gartcairn, Thistle face a major challenge away to East Kilbride in the South of Scotland Cup on Tuesday October 29.

The Lowland League side have been on top form with a 4-1 win over Hearts Under 21s on Saturday, followed by an 8-3 home win to Cowdenbeath in the league, and captured national newspaper headlines with penalty shoot out victory at Scottish Championship side Airdrie in the Scottish Challenge Cup fourth round.

And Thistle have a long trip awaiting them in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup as they were drawn away to East Craigie or Islavale on November 23.

* Eric Nelson won £310 in October’s Largs Thistle Lottery draw. Well done Eric.

* Congratulations to Mrs J Hodge who wins the Largs Thistle Patrons Draw for October and wins £250.