Largs Thistle come from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Glenafton

Largs Thistle put their penalty demons behind them as William Sewell scored a last ditch spot kick to crown a superb fightback against Glenafton on Saturday.

Sewell's late goal completed a memorable comeback for a Largs side who had found themselves trailing 2-0 to the struggling New Cumnock outfit early in the second half at Loch Park.

But out of nowhere, Thistle halved the deficit after a quick fire move with deadly marksman Sewell launching himself to turn the ball over the line to give this encounter a new lease of life.

Livewire Will Sewell in action on Saturday (Image: Newsquest)

It was ironic that the comeback which followed typified the fighting spirit of manager Stuart Davidson - who was unable to be present at the match.

There was little sign of the drama to follow in a fairly tepid first half, with Largs having the bulk of the play without actually creating any chances of real note, other than a diagonal strike from Sewell which cannoned off keeper David Markey's legs.

But the first 45 minutes ended in dramatic fashion as former Ayr forward Michael Moffat came up with the moment of quality that had been sadly lacking up till then, weaving his way past defenders on the right before striking a low, curling shot beyond Largs keeper Joe Wilton for the opening goal.

In the thick of it: Ryan McCreath keeps his eye on the ball (Image: Newsquest)

The second half was explosive in comparision, with an action-packed six-minute spell early in proceedings setting the tone for what remained of the match.

Thistle looked really up against it as Glens created several early chances before Liam Caddis found himself some space on the edge of the D to tuck a diagonal strike into the left-hand corner.

But Thistle refused to throw in the towel - and straight from the kick-off Sewell bundled the ball into the net to bring Largs right back into it, deflating the raucous celebrations among the Glenafton support.

Largs could have levelled the game just two minutes later from the penalty spot, but skipper Scott Adam struck his effort wide of the post.

But the game took a crucial twist just past the hour mark when the referee spotted an off-the-ball incident and showed Moffat a straight red card.

That put the wind well and truly in the Largs sails, and midfielder Liam Lapsley nearly levelled with a sensational strike from the left wing, leaving defenders in knots before unleashing an audacious effort aimed at the top right corner, but Markey anticipated it well to save.

Thistle went close again, with David Ramsay heading over from just five yards out.

But the visitors would not be denied and it was Lapsley who sent the travelling support into raptures when he finished off another fine move to make it 2-2 on 75 minutes.

And Largs, looking to avenge their West of Scotland Cup defeat on their last visit to Loch Park in early December, kept pushing, with Darryl Duffy coming on for Adam as the visitors looked to make the most of some fresh legs up front.

Spot kick celebration as Will Sewell rushes to the fans (Image: Newsquest)

Wilton made vital saves from a free kick and header to keep the game level, but there was a definite feeling that the game had turned in Largs' favour - and in the 89th minute, Laurie McMaster was brought down as he flew into the box and Sewell stepped up to fire the resulting penalty into the roof of the net - sparking joyous scenes among the Thistle support.

@LargsThistleFC come back from 2-0 down to go 3-2 up as @WillSewell8 nets v @GlenaftonAJFC pic.twitter.com/WtWSRQzXrZ

— Calum Corral (@CalumCorral) February 10, 2024

This was a classic comeback for Largs who came back from a goal down against Arthurlie last month, and now managed an even more impressive feat to overturn a two goal deficit in front of a partisan crowd at Loch Park.

LARGS: Wilton, McLeod, McMaster, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds, Martin, Lapsley, Sewell, Adam, Lapsley, Subs: Duffy, Devine, Davidson, Forbes, Cumming, McGrath, Zalewski