Largs Thistle and Clydebank draw in top of table clash

The draw means that Largs drop down a place to third spot, but Stuart Davidson's men will rue some good opportunities in the first half when Clydebank were reduced to ten men.

The Premier League leaders regrouped at the start of the second half and managed to keep Largs at bay whilst creating a few dangerous chances themselves as Thistle were reduced to ten men too following a controversial red card for Jamie Martin.

It was a fiercely contested game with the referee involved a lot but before the drama unfolded, a minute's silence was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters for Remembrance.

Respect: Moment silence for Remembrance in Largs (Image: Newsquest)

It says a lot about how far Thistle have come that they left this game disappointed not to have wrapped up the three points against a side who had won all eight of their previous league games.

Stuart Davidson's carefully crafted side has matured like a fine wine over recent seasons and is now blossoming with hard work, finesse, and determination very much key elements.

Davidson also has the capacity to surprise as he played Jamie Martin through the middle as opposed to his more familiar winger role to keep the Bankies on their toes.

Nicky Little won an early free kick for Bankies but Cory Hughes made a great block to deny an opening, and then Thistle began to settle with midfield veteran Ryan Deas slowing the pace down with some great individual possession play with some clever feints and turns, immediately lifting the pressure off the defence.

Lewis Davidson nodded home on 12 minutes but the referee had already blown for an infringement.

Largs Thistle's Will Sewell in action (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

The game exploded after 15 minutes after a quick break by Blair Devine who was poleaxed by a Clydebank defender as the referee showed his second yellow card of the afternoon to Niven, and then a red.

However, it seemed a clumsy and dangerous tackle which well could have led to a goalscoring opportunity, so should have been a straight red.

In response, Ryan Deas' ambitious curling free kick to the near corner from the left hand side was well read by Bankies keeper Keaney.

On 24 minutes, Largs had a big chance to score after a quick passing move and Will Sewell slotted wide of the left post.

Jamie Martin's looping effort was then deflected over the crossbar, and the resultant corner was cleared by Bankies on 28 minutes.

The offside flag was raised as Davidson's acrobatic effort smashed off the Bankies crossbar on 31 minutes.

Sean McLeod makes a run for it to the byeline (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

Martin then got good purchase on a diving header at the far post but Keaney made a good stop.

Ryan Deas twice blocked Keaney kick-outs from pass backs as Largs kept pushing, and Sewell was ruled offside with another chance on goal.

A mistimed Ryan McCreath header had to be well watched by Joe Wilton in the Largs goal to avert any Clydebank danger.

The half time whistle sounded after a pulsating first half with 48 minutes played in total by the referee. 

Lewis Davidson saw an effort off the crossbar (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

After a slow start to the second half, Devine tried his luck with a curling effort from the right wing but it was a comfortable save for Keaney. 

Ten man Bankies came close to taking the lead as Nicky Low's piledriver was brilliantly parried by Joe Wilton who got down quickly to punch clear.

The game was becoming very stop and start which suited Clydebank as Largs were unable to build up any rhythm.

Hard working Deas was subbed for David Ramsay, and then Martin's clever curling shot from the edge of the box flew just wide.

Blair Devine (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

Clydebank players vociferously called for a handball in the Largs box but a corner was awarded as there were 12 minutes left to play.

Keaney just managed to boot the ball clear from a rampaging Sewell in the box, as the game continued to swing from end to end.

The drama continued when Martin was given his marching orders for a second yellow which seemed cruel in the extreme.

Keaney got booked for time wasting as the disruption continued and then Bankies very nearly nicked all three points with ex-Thistle forward Nicky Little hitting a point blank shot which was punched to safety in the blink of an eye by the ever dependable Wilton.

In truth, it was a breathless affair, with both sides having periods of possession and good play, but Largs will perhaps feel that they should have capitalised, particularly when Clydebank were down to ten men for most of this game.

However, Largs should take credit for stopping the Clydebank juggernaut and their winning start to the season, and can use this as a spur going forward as they are very much equal to the top team of the league in terms of ability.

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