Thistle went in to what was shaping up to be a showdown for the Section 1 title and came out on top in what was a surprisingly one-sided contest. The result leaves the Jags waiting for Saturday’s fixtures to see if they are overhauled by either Lanark or Gow on goal difference.
See match report of Lesmahagow v Thistle
(No video of the game due to technical difficulties, sorry)
Thistle travelled to Lanark for Game 3 of the Sectional League Cup and even though the hosts were poor in the league last season, the Jags must have expected much more of a test than Wednesday’s easy win against Forth.
So it proved to be and Section 1 is now wide open with everybody except the Albert in with a chance of winning it.
Thistle blew a poor Forth team away with a seven goal second half blitz to run out easy winners in a game where they were never really troubled. The only surprise was the visitors taking a lead into half time but it was just the jolt the Jags needed.
Match report Thistle 7 Forth 2
Video highlights of Thistle v Forth (including all goals!!)
Thistle battled gamely against higher league opposition in this Sectional League Cup quarter final but it proved to be an uphill struggle against a good Cumbernauld side.
With Lesmahagow’s ground being out of action due to last year’s flooding, Thistle were the visitors to their own park in this group decider. Home advantage probably played a part in the end as the Jags ran out decisive winners.
The quarter final will now be against Cumbernauld at Gasworks Park, this coming Wednesday 27th at 6:30pm
Thistle play the Gow on Saturday in the final game of the Sectional League Cup with the teams going into the game dead level on points – and goals for and against. Lesmahagow’s park is still out of action due to last year’s flooding so the game has been switched to Larkhall. In the event of a draw, the teams will replay on Monday night and toss a coin for choice of venue.
If the Gow win the toss it could be Carluke, Stonehouse or even Gasworks Park again!
It’s winner takes all on Saturday and it should be a cracking cup tie with the Jags out to avenge last season’s 3-2 defeat at home in the decider.
Thistle were made to fight all the way by a hard working Albert team but in the end the wet weather conditions played a big part in the outcome of the game.
Next week’s game with Lesmahagow who beat Lanark today will now decide the outcome of the group.
Just a quick reminder for anybody who is going to tomorrow’s game with the Albert that it is being played at Tileworks Park in Stonehouse, where Albert are playing their home games this season.
It could well be the first time the fixture has ever taken place outside Larkhall.
Thistle had to fight back from a disastrous opening twelve minutes in their first Sectional League Cup match of the new season. With some key players missing and new faces having to try and fit in to the team it was always going to be a tough task.
See full match report of Thistle v Lanark United here