McBookie Super League Premier Division

BEITH 3

LARGS THISTLE 2

RELIEVED Beith managed to break their frustrating run of draws with a hard-fought but deserved win over relegation-threatened Largs.

The Bellsdale Park side's threadbare squad afforded a rare start to Josh McArthur with Richie Burke also filling a defensive role.

A low key start produced little to note.

Joe Bradley gradually began having an impact in midfield and his probing led to the hosts grabbing the lead in 19 minutes. A Bradley pass freed Darren Christie to burst into the box and his cut-back was turned home at the back post by David McGowan.

Largs responded and Little's header from a corner went straight to Grindlay and James Marks was inches away from getting a touch on a McMaster cross.

However the hosts carried the bigger threat playing down the slope but were failing to get shots on target despite Calum Watt and Richie Burke going close

Largs rallied and Little missed the target when he was allowed another free jump on a Fisher free-kick before his side drew level when sub Glenn Thomson won possession just outside the Beith box and let fly with a great shot which rattled into the net via the inside of the post.

Stung by the equaliser, Beith opened the second half in a determined fashion. Darren Christie looked to have scored when he cut inside off the left wing and beat Lundy with a fine shot - only to see the ball rattle off the crossbar.

The hosts went ahead a few minutes later when Joe Bradley slipped through a pass to allow Collins to run behind the Largs defence and stab the ball home.

The visitors pulled level again when Burke's miscue fell kindly to James Marks just inside the box and he guided the ball home.

Beith regained the lead on the hour when McGowan applied the finish in the box to a fine move involving Burke and Christie.

Late on Lundy saved from McGowan to deny him his hat-trick.