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LARGS THISTLE 3

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0

By Calum Corral

A HARD-working Winton side had some good chances at the start and end of this contest on Monday night at Barrfields Park but were undone by some high quality passing play against Largs.

New manager Stevie Wilson cast his eye over his new squad and will be happy with the work-rate of his players and the fact that they never gave up, but will be looking more from his outfit defensively after leaking in goals from set-pieces and open play.

He said later: "It's not long into the pre-season and I am still looking at the best formations.But we can take some positives from the way we played against a good Largs side."

Rovers teed up some early chances with Brandon McEvoy turning in an early effort on the Largs goal, before jostling past defender Nicky Jamieson to a bouncing ball but lost balance and fell to the floor with just Blair Cousar to beat.

The opening strike arrived in 25 minutes as John Carter sent home a pinpoint header from Laurie McMaster's cross.

McMaster came close with a rasping drive which was beaten away by Winton keeper Chris Lamb, but ever-dependable Martin Orr let rip with a curling drive from outside the area which hoodwinked defence and keeper for a glorious second before half-time.

The third goal in 62 minutes was carved out by an impressive young trialist, who pinpointed sub Kevin Struthers' run at the near post with a corner. Former Winton striker Struthers delivered in style on the volley from close range.

Despite the deficit, Winton worked hard and carved out some good openings late on, with some dangerous crosses into the box, and Kenny Parris launched a good effort which just flew wide of the left post, while Parris should have pulled the trigger at the first time of asking after a quick opening in the box but tried to overcome too many men and was dispossessed.