Some snippets from 2001. Arthurlie went on to win the league that season with the three teams finishing in second, third and fourth being Benburb, Johnstone Burgh and Maryhill – all of whom have suffered spectacular falls from these heights.
Saturday 31st March 2001
Whyte & Mackay Cup
Hurlford 3 Larkhall Thistle 1
Thistle lost out in this cup tie in Ayrshire, despite being favourites for the game the Jags struggled throughout and never looked like going through with Hurlford deservedly progressing to the quarter-final.
(On the same day in 2001 current manager Duncan Sinclair scored for Shotts in their relegation battle with Pollok despite his team losing out 3-2).
Saturday 29th September 2001
Abercorn Builders Central League Premier Division
Larkhall Thistle 2 Petershill 1
After a goalless first half, Thistle took the lead with a goal from Brian Wattret. Derek Paterson popped up to double the Jags advantage and that looked like being enough but a late goal by Petershill’s Stevie Mooney made for a nervous end to the game when he converted a Jim Beattie cross. Larkhall held on for an important win, despite Ian Campbell seeing red just before the end.
Saturday 1st December 2001
Abercorn Builders Central League Premier Division
Johnstone Burgh 1 Larkhall Thistle 0
Thistle went down to a defeat late on in this game at Keanie Park after a tight match between the teams looked like it was heading towards a goalless draw. The Jags defender Paul Anderson was the unfortunate victim of an own goal 10 minutes from the end to give Burgh a narrow win. Thistle’s Paul McAninch was sent off along with Mark Andrew for Johnstone Burgh.
Tuesday 2nd October 2001
Sectional League Cup Final
Larkhall Thistle 0 Bellshill Athletic 3
Thistle faced Bellshill in the final of the Sectional League Cup on a Tuesday night in Glasgow at Partick Thistle’s Firhill Park. The Jags went down to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to the team from North Lanarkshire and to date it is the last final Thistle have appeared in. Photos from the cup final