Largs held to goalless draw at Benburb in Premier Division

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Both sides had to settle for a share of the points at New Tinto Park on Saturday after Benburb keeper Grant Hay denied Largs from the spot. 

Like the two teams' last game in October, it was a tight encounter with little to choose between the sides.

Ex-Rangers forward Darryl Duffy, who unlocked the Benburb defence for David Ramsay's goal in the first game, was suspended.

Largs manager Stuart Davidson made one change to the starting line-up from the 3-1 defeat to Pollok, with midfielder David McGrath replacing Ramsay. 

Benburb edged the first half in terms of chances, with Largs creating their first opportunity on 33 minutes when Scott Adam put the ball in the back of the net, but was ruled offside.

Laurie McMaster (Image: Largs Thistle F.C)

Laurie McMaster then forced a save on 38 minutes, and Will Sewell went close a minute later.

Defender Ryan McCreath fired just wide after the re-start as Largs looked to make a strong start to the second half.

Benburb's best chance so far fell on the hour mark but the shot was fired wide after a good build-up.

Largs had a big chance on 61 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Scott Adam was floored by Hay; the keeper committed the foul after he miskicked a clearance, but the stopper redeemed himself by saving Sewell's spot-kick.

Sean McLeod (Image: Newsquest)

Sewell and Lewis Davidson broke through, but it was again Hay to the rescue with another stop to deny Thistle, before Lapsley was denied by the busy keeper.

Three subs then came on for Largs on 73 minutes as Ramsay, Jamie Martin and Liam Devine entered the fray in place of McMaster, Sewell and Lapsley in attempt to turn the game. 

And on 86 minutes Joe Wilton made an important stop to deny Benburb the lead.

The game was heading towards stoppage time as Stuart Faulds fired over for the visitors after good play, 

And on 92 minutes, the hosts headed over from a good position in the last chance of the game as the referee blew for full-time. 

All in all not a great game but Largs collected a decent point at a tough venue.

It's been a mixed bag so far for Largs in 2024 with one win, one draw and one defeat.

Next up for Largs is an away fixture against Glenafton on February 10, and hopefully it will be third time lucky for Largs after a draw with the New Cumnock side at Barrfields and a defeat at Loch Park in the West of Scotland Cup. 

LARGS: Wilton, McGrath, McMaster, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds. McLeod, Davidson, Sewell, Adam, Lapsley.