McBookie Championship

BENBURB 3

DALRY THISTLE 0

OFF-key Dalry suffered their third defeat in four games as they lost out at New Tinto Park.

Thistle started well and in 11 minutes a Gardner shot flashed past a post with the goalie beaten. That unfortunately was as good as it got for the visitors in the first period.

In 21 minutes the hosts almost went ahead when the outstanding number seven hit the byline only for his cut-back to be driven over the top.

The same player cut back another dangerous ball in 28 minutes but only a tremendous interception by Lewis Kirkwood prevented a goal. The resultant corner though ended in the opening goal when the Bens number seven found himself unmarked to volley home from 12 yards.

Thistle had a brief flurry five minutes later when a fine cutback from Zack Simpson was met by Ian Cashmore but his attempt was deflected away. Things went from bad to worse for Thistle when Jordan Stuart was sent off for a second booking in 37 minutes.

It then should have been a lot worse as the Bens number 10 missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper as he slotted wide.

The second half started with more pressure on the 10-man visitors and a fine point-blank save from Blair Lochhead denied the hosts a second before the inside of the post again came to Dalry's rescue.

In 75 minutes, however the hosts made it safe when the Bens substitute lashed home a ferocious drive from all of 30 yards.

Only a minute later the outstanding home number seven got his name on the scoresheet when he toe-poked home at the near post.

Dalry were soundly beaten in the end but were right in the match up until going down to 10 men.

DALRY THISTLE: B Lochhead; Simpson (Cummings) K Lochhead, Kirkwood, McGowan, Whyte, Oliver (Stevenson) Hannah, Cashmore (Archdeacon) Stuart, Gardiner.