Kingshill Park, Forth
Forth Wanderers v Larkhall Thistle
Pre-season Friendly
Thistle travelled to League Two side Forth for the first pre-season friendly of the 2019 – 2020 season with a chance to give the manager and supporters a first look at the new signings. The starting lineup looked much changed from the one that ended the season with new recruits goalkeeper David Cherrie, Warren Grenfell, Shaun Gallagher, Jack Currie and Taylor Scott all starting.
As might be expected against a team who had largely been together last season, Larkhall took time to find their feet but as the first half went on they began to show signs of gelling. Forth took the lead before the interval with a quick combination and a low drive that beat Cherrie at his near post.
Half time: Forth Wanderers 1 Larkhall Thistle 0
The second half was a bit of a revolving door as the manager took the opportunity to have a look at all his players in various formations but the most telling change was the introduction o Graham Gracie, back at the club after a season away at Albion Rovers and Cumnock.
The sun never quite managed to break through the clouds and on the day it looked like the Jags were going to suffer a similar fate, they had the lion’s share of possession and created chances but looked like they may leave empty handed until Gracie popped up with two late goals – a low shot from the left that flew past the keeper followed by a quick free kick from a similar position on the left that also rocketed low into the net.
The signs are there that this is a much different team from last season and there is plenty cause for optimism as Thistle approach the new campaign.
Full time: Forth Wanderers 1 Larkhall Thistle 2