Kingshill Park Forth,
Forth Wanderers v Larkhall Thistle
McBookie.com Central District First Division
Stewart Thomson (wedding) and Brian Jack (holiday) both returned to the squad after missing the game against Neilston. However Paul Burns (wedding), Liam Mushett (work commitments) and Craig Rutherford (calf injury) were all missing. David Thomson retained his place in goal with Hugh Kelly starting in midfield. Thistle started brightly and Graham Gracie opened the scoring in 13 minutes after a fine move involving Ryan Innes and David Reid. As in previous games the Jags then proceeded to dominate the game but once again failed to take the chances they created with the home keeper having an outstanding game. Forth equalised 10 minutes before the interval despite the visitors having the majority of the play.
Half Time: Forth Wanderers 1 Larkhall Thistle 1
Worse was to follow at the start of the second half when Forth took the lead inside 50 seconds after a mix up in the Thistle defence. Credit to the Thistle they immediately took the game to Forth and equalised within two minutes through a well struck shot inside the penalty box by Ryan Innes. Thistle were now in control creating chances which again they did not convert. However they took the lead with a well struck free kick from Reid giving the keeper no chance.
The game was now getting a bit tousy and the referee quite clearly was not in control of the game with players in both teams committing fouls which should have been punished. With two minutes remaining the referee awarded Forth a penalty which to say the least was a mystery to most people in the ground Niall Reynolds tackling a Forth player in the box with both players ending up on the ground, the ball being cleared and play continuing. The referee then stopped the game, went back to the Thistle penalty box, booked Reynolds and awarded a penalty. Young David Thomson however had a magnificent save down to his right .
Three good points when we again missed numerous chances with credit to the players for fighting back from a 2-1 deficit.
On a day when everyone played their part the man of the match award goes to Graham Gracie for his outstanding work rate and involvement in the goals.
Full Time: Forth Wanderers 2 Larkhall Thistle 3
Larkhall Thistle:
D.Thomson Reynolds, Brown, Nicholl; Payne, Kelly, Innes, Canning, Reid, Clarke, Gracie.
Subs. McKeever, Doyle, Jack, McStay, S. Thomson first game for a while when no substitutions were made.