McBookie Premiership

LARGS THISTLE 2

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1

By Calum Corral

GLENAFTON came close to inflicting the first defeat on Largs Thistle at Barrfields since August after sub David Winters’ 75th minute strike.

However, Largs scored twice in a minute to turn the game on its head as Glens imploded with a red card in the final minutes.

Both teams cancelled each other out in a relatively entertaining first half.

Clearcut chances were at a premium but Largs midfielder Gary Fleming’s dipping half-volley from 25 yards had to be tipped over the bar by keeper Burns.

Thistle really should have taken the lead before half-time after a corner from the right was partially cleared and fell to Stuart Faulds on the outside right.

The arrival of striker Winters at the start of the second half gave Glenafton renewed impetus going forward and chances were starting to emerge for the visitors in the second half.

By contrast, Largs appeared to be retreating with Winters going close but had his effort blocked.

However, the ex-Pollok veteran was not to be denied when Farrell could only parry a dangerous cross from the right hand side on 75 minutes straight into the path of the wily striker. Winters made no mistake from five yards and suddenly Thistle’s long unbeaten home record was in danger.

The equaliser was something special as Thistle won a free-kick on the edge of the area after Ben Black was impeded after another dangerous run. Martin Orr surprised everyone to score a rare goal by sending in a low free-kick under the wall as the ball was drilled into the bottom left corner in 78 minutes.

Thistle won possession almost immediately from Glens kicking off, and clearly had the bit between their teeth, as they drove forward once more on the Glenafton goal.

Black sent over a low cross and Ross George appeared to be taken down in the box as Thistle were awarded a spot-kick in 79 minutes which was coolly dispatched by Adam.

Findlay Frye was given an ordering off after chopping down Black on the run towards the penalty box.

The dismissal was bitterly contested by Glenafton who saw it as no more than a yellow at best.

The resultant free-kick from Kevin Struthers was turned round the post by Burns.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: Burns;McAusland, Cairns, Menzies, McChesney, Frye, Orsi, Marlow, McCann, Park, Murphy. Subs: Winters, Cummins, Potter.