Largs Thistle 1 Pollok 3

Thistle were unable to repeat their heroics of last season against Pollok who made it six points out of six against the Barrfields side this season.

Largs impressively finished last season in sixth position after hammering the Glasgow giants 5-1 on the last day of the season in the summer sunshine.

And there was a big incentive for Thistle to move one point behind Pollok with a victory - and instead the difference is now seven points as Largs remain in 11th position - as Largs lost their way after a positive opening hour or so.

There wasn't much in this Premiership clash and Largs certainly played well and carved out good chances but they couldn't build on their victory over Arthurlie from a week before as Pollok ended up deserved winners in the end for being more ruthless when their opportunities came along.

It was a frustrating way to end it for Largs with Pollok's third goal having the effect of killing the game.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Liam Lapsley in action against PollokLiam Lapsley in action against Pollok (Image: Largs Thistle FC)

However, it had been a bright and breezy start to proceedings, with skipper Scott Adam restored to the line-up after playing his part in setting up the winning goal versus Arthurlie, in place of Darryl Duffy who was suspended.

Pollok went ahead on six minutes in their first attack of the game as Christie fired home from a cross from the left.

 

Largs responded with Liam Lapsley going close moments later, before both Lapsley and William Sewell had chances with keeper Ben Fry coming to the rescue of the Glasgow side.

And on 22 minutes, Thistle scored a sensational equaliser as Lewis Davidson finished off a tidy move to send a searing shot into top left corner of the net from 15 yards.

 

Pollok had the ball in the net on 36 minutes but the referee blew for an infringement.

There was drama on 42 minutes as Pollok won a controversial free kick as Largs midfielder was adjudged to have fouled his opponent although it looked like contact was minimal.

As the free kick was launched into the top right hand corner and the referee awarded the goal, the assistant referee had his flag raised.

The away celebrations were curtailed as a Pollok player was adjudged to have pushed Laurie McMaster to the ground in the penalty box as the free kick was about to be taken.

It was a big moment for Largs on the 58th minute as David Ramsay had a good opportunity to score but slid his effort wide of the left post.

And three minutes later Pollok were ahead again on a counter as Adam Forde broke into the box and sent in a diagonal shot into the back of the net.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Joe Wilton then made a good save in the Largs goal as the game very much ebbed and flowed from end to end at this stage.

Sean McLeod wriggled through defensive challenges but slammed an effort wide of the right post on 66 minutes.

However, it was 'Game Over' as the visitors finished off another quick attacking move on 76 minutes to put daylight between the sides. Gallagher this time sidefooted home for Pollok to make it 3-1.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

The game seemed to lull after this with Pollok having chances to add to their lead with a header over from a corner and another chance flashing past the post.

From the highs of Davidson's stunning goal to the lows of Pollok adding goals two and three somewhat systematically to see out the game, there was a real feeling of disappointment at the end that missed chances had proved costly for Largs in the extreme - very much a similar feeling from the reverse fixture when Largs missed a succession of good opportunities in Glasgow.

LARGS: Wilton, McMaster, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds, Ramsay, Davidson, Sewell, Adam, Lapsley. Subs: McGrath, Martin, Cumming, Devine, Forbes, Tennent, Zalewski.

Photos: Largs Thistle FC