McBookie Super League Premier Division

LARGS THISTLE 4

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 1

by Calum Corral

A LAPSE of discipline cost Kilbirnie once more as a red card was the turning point in this all-North Ayrshire Premier Division encounter.

It was a dramatic derby as Kilbirnie were reduced to 10 men in the first half, amid angry scenes following a challenge on former Beith player Iain Fisher.

Thistle moved ahead in 10 minutes in spectacular style as Fisher let rip with a curling free-kick from 22 yards which arched into the top right of the net.

Laurie McMaster was on the line to clear away Ryan Haxton's powerful header which seemed goalbound.

Adam Forde when burst clear for Ladeside but Thistle keeper Ross Lundy closed the space before making a wonderful diving save.

The visitors levelled matters on 36 minutes as Ciaran McElroy feinted his way into the Thistle box from the left wing, and drilled an angled drive past Ross Lundy.

But the Ladeside player's celebrations turned to despair moments later after he was sent off following a challenge on Fisher. There were angry scenes as McElroy was given his marching orders.

Ten man Kilbirnie went close as Forde blazed over from 12 yards, but Thistle regained the lead in 67 minutes after John Tennent's shot flipped on to crossbar by keeper Kieran Hughes but Robert Love followed up with the rebound from the left.

Largs moved 3-1 up after ex-Ladeside man Matt Bennett was downed in the box, with Glenn Thomson converting from the spot on 76 minutes.

Fisher let rip and blazed an effort just over the bar as the Largs fans were in full voice.

Bennett raced on to a chipped pass but lobbed inches wide, while Lundy made superb save at other end on 86 minutes.

Substitute James Marks nipped clean through, and slotted across unselfishly for Bennett to score against his old team on the 90th minute, leaving Kilbirnie ragged, and Largs buzzing.

LARGS THISTLE: Lundy; Fisher, McMaster, Walton, Jamieson, McDonald, Tennent, Thomson, Love, Struthers, Bennett. Subs: Ashe, C Little, Fleming, Marks, Graham (gk).

KILBIRNIE LADESIDE: Hughes; Gray, Haxton, Green, O'Byrne, Rafferty, McElroy, Anderson, Forde, Harkins, Smith. Subs: Grehan, Lindsay, Donnelly, Kerr (gk).