Ardagh Glass League Cup

LARGS THISTLE 3

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 1

by Calum Corral

FIRST Division Largs turned the tables on Premier Kilbirnie on Saturday at Barrfields Park on Saturday.

It was a fast-paced and energetic derby encounter with chances for both sides throughout.

Kilbirnie started well, with a trialist hitting the side netting after a corner from the right was headed on.

Thistle opened the scoring in under 10 minutes as the referee spotted a handball in the Ladeside box, and Adam converted from the spot.

Stephen Burden smacked in a dangerous half volley which was blocked by Ladeside keeper Kieran Hughes.

Some defensive errors crept into Thistle's play as Jon Scullion passed up two glaring opportunities for the visitors.

A spot-kick was awarded to Kilbirnie on 28 minutes as Scullion's legs got in a tangle with Iain Fisher, and he netted the equaliser.

An acrobatic volley following a Ladeside move down the right flew just over the bar as Kilbirnie had chances to take the lead.

But it was Thistle who gained the upper hand with Orr getting on the end of a move to tuck the ball under outrushing Hughes in 37 minutes.

Thistle forward Jamie Campbell had to leave the field of play at half-time with an injury and was replaced by Joel Kasubandi.

Largs had keeper Ross Lundy to thank for a good block from a Ladeside breakaway, and Thistle made sure of the points in 73 minutes as Kasubandi showed some brilliant touches down the left to reach the byeline, and slotted the ball to the onrushing Adam to flick home from five yards out.

Kasubandi could have put Largs further ahead but blazed over from a great position.

Ladeside twice had the ball in the back of the net, but both efforts were ruled out due to early infringements, much to the anger of the Kilbirnie management.

Largs soaked up the pressure in the first half before taking control in the second half to record an impressive win at Barrfields.

Ladeside manager Budgie McGhie said later that there were some positive signs to take from the game, but stated that his side would need to defend better right throughout the whole team.

LARGS THISTLE: Lundy; Fisher, McVey, Gilbride, Jamieson, Fleming, Orr, Burden, Adam, Campbell, McMaster. Subs: Kasubandi, Little, Ashe, Trialist.

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE: Mitchell; Trialist, Sweeney, Juskowiak, Hughes, Anderson, Roberts, Trialist, Scullion, Trialist, Hughes. Subs: Crerand, Lafferty, Toner, Rodden, Trialist.