Irvine Meadow 0, Largs Thistle 1

A solitary goal courtesy of top scorer Will Sewell was enough for Largs to continue their late charge for a top five Premier Division finish - and to condemn Irvine Meadow to relegation to the second tier.

Sewell's strike just before half-time at Meadow Park on Saturday left Thistle sitting pretty in fifth place and well set up for their highest ever finish in the West of Scotland Football League.

And while it was the second time this season that Meadow have restricted Largs to victory by just the one goal, defeat for Ben Carson's side confirms that they will be playing their football in the First Division next season.

Largs were in no mood to do their struggling hosts any favours as manager Stuart Davidson kept faith with the same starting XI that had won 1-0 at Hurlford the previous Tuesday. 

And Sewell went close with a header wide from a Ramsay cross as Largs started on the front foot.

Ramsay formed a good opening as he raced through on the right hand side, only to be thwarted by Medda keeper Kyle King, who was quick off his marks to spread and block.

And the deadlock was broken on 41 minutes when Largs were awarded a penalty after good pressure play, with Sewell netting for his 21st of the season. 

A free kick floated into the box found skipper Scott Adam who had his back turned and fired over the bar with a quick feint and move.

Largs boss Davidson introduced his first sets of fresh legs on 76 minutes, with Blair Devine and Darryl Duffy replacing the captain and Jamie Martin, before McGrath came on for Sewell on 81 minutes as Thistle closed out their third 1-0 away win on the road after previous successes at Hurlford and Darvel.

Largs defender Cory Hughes was voted man of the match in a game which Thistle largely dominated but like the first encounter between the sides there was still important defensive work to be carried out.

Next up for Largs is probably the toughest possible test of their recent league form, with defending champions Beith, who climbed to the top of the table after beating Hurlford on Saturday, due at Barrfields on Wednesday, May 1 in a mouth-watering clash.

LARGS: Wilton, McLeod, McMaster, McCreath, Hughes, Faulds, Ramsay, Davidson, Sewell, Adam, Martin. Subs: McGrath, Devine, Tennent, Lapsley. Cumming, Duffy, Johnston (GK)