Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Troon
McBookie.com Super First Division
Thistle’s last game of the season was also the last game for the management team of Dunky Sinclair, Tam McLaughlin and Jamie Sandilands. In marked contrast to last season’s epic encounter with St Roch’s there was nothing to play for today for the Jags although Troon were still chasing a promotion place via the playoffs.
Thistle got off to a good start attacking the old club end and nearly took the lead after just five minutes, Gary McStay rolled the ball from a corner to Billy Robb and his first-time shot brought out a great save from the Troon keeper. Mark Canning had featured prominently in the opening stages and sent a good effort wide of the post three minutes later.
It looked like the old stagers of Canning, McKeever and Gary McStay might have a final fling, they were all playing well but after 16 minutes it all turned sour as Troon took the lead with their first real attacking move of the game. Good play down the right then a ball into the box that the No.10 slid in unchallenged to meet and send high into the net.
Three more quickfire goals before the break put the game beyond doubt. Declan Doyle was outmanouevered on the left and the cross left an easy tap in from two yards for the second. The third came from the same position but the Troon No.11 in fairness did brillianly to twist and turn and get his cross in that left a free header right in front of goal.
The fourth came down the right, again a shot in that Johnny Duncan could only block and the follow up was slammed into the roof of the net.
Half time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Troon 4
Dunky made his final throw of the dice as manager with a triple half time substitution; Johnny McStay, Ryan Innes and Josh Payne for McKeever, Robb and Doyle but any thoughts that Thistle could get back into the game disappeared as early as the second minute of the half when Troon got their fifth from an unchallenged shot inside the box.
The only time Thistle threatened the visitors goal came 10 minutes into the second half, Gary McStay did well down the right wing, beating the left back and getting a cross in to Johnny McStay who hit a good volley just past the post.
Troon made it 6-0 with 20 minutes still left to go and thoughts of double figures must have crossed minds of players and supporters of both sides. As it was they settled for just one more three minutes from time to complete what was the most embarrassing result in many people’s memory.
Good luck to Sinky, Tam and Jamie and thanks for all your efforts, nobody will forget the double header with St Roch’s last season. Good luck also to those players who played their last games today and again thanks for all the good work.
Full time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Troon 7
Larkhall Thistle:
Duncan; Doyle (Payne 45), Brown, Mushett, Reynolds; McKeever, Canning (Innes 45), Jack, Robb (J McStay 45), Reid; G McStay. Subs: Clarke, Kelly
Scorers:
Booked: Robb