A STUNNING comeback from Thistle saw them blast back from three goals down to stay alive in the top competition.

Thistle now make the journey east for a replay on Saturday and will go into the game with confidence following their superb display at Ardeer Stadium.

The hosts were far from their best in the first half and fell behind in 10 minutes, Craig Waddell squaring to Ross Morison who squeezed his finish in at the near post. Morison blew a great chance to double his tally minutes later, shooting off target when clean through on goal having beat the offside trap.

His strike partner Waddell did manage to make it 2-0 midway through the half, scoring past Paul McCann after getting on the end of a long goal, a disappointingly simple goal from an Ardeer perspective.

Ardeer really weren’t showing much and looked as though they would need to regroup at half-time. Unfortunately they lost another goal just before the break, Morison again beating the high offside trap and he managed to beat McCann after the Ardeer keeper saved his initial effort. Things were looking bleak but Thistle then grabbed a hugely important foothold in the match, reducing the deficit within stoppage time in the first half. Stephen Reid played in Graeme Hamilton who finished well past the West Calder goalie.

Paul McCann was called into action to prevent West Calder from restoring their three goal lead early in the second half, making a great save to deny a headed effort, David Aitken then blazing a real chance over the crossbar. Ardeer were gradually improving and the home fans hopes were bolstered when their side pulled another goal back in the 65th minute. Graeme Hamilton secured his brace, lobbing the keeper after receiving a pass from James Maxwell.

Ardeer were given the opportunity to level the scoreline with 10 minutes to goal when Maxwell was bundled over in the penalty area having made a good run on the right side of the park. Ryan Morrow stepped up to take the spot kick and made to mistake, smashing the ball home from 12 yards.

There was still time for both sides to find a winner and the visitors looked the more likely to get it.

However, they were unable to do so, Paul McCann preventing what looked to be a sure-fire goal, making a super stop to keep out a Morison deflected effort, and a Darren Fleming 25-yard shot later drifted narrowly wide in the closing minutes.

Thistle showed some green shoots of recovery in the second half after a few sub-par performances and will hopefully build on their comeback at the weekend.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.