Larkhall Thistle 3 Lesmahagow 2 – 17th August 2019
Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Lesmahagow
McBookie.com West Region – League One
Thistle went into today’s game with early pacesetters Lesmahagow in the unfamiliar position in recent years of not being favourites. Gow had won all three opening fixtures and the inclusion of ex-Jags players Ryan Innes, Neil Schonevill and Matty Clarke added to the mix. With ex-Thistle favourite Mark McKeever and also Niall Reynolds watching on and Graham Gracie back leading the line for Larkhall it was a bit of a Sinky old boys reunion at Gasworks.
Lesmahagow got off to the perfect start with a goal in the fifth minute, a break down the right put Nicholson clear and his emphatic finish gave Cherry in the home goal no chance.
Thistle were forced into an ealy change when Bathoz hobbled to a stop and was replaced by Mark Cuthbertson, a blow after his recent good form but young Mark did well and proved a more than adequate replacement.
The Jags drew level in 21 minutes, a high ball to the edge of the box was knocked down cleverly by Gracie into the path of McAlembie who looked to have lost the chance but it broke for Jack Currie at the back post who placed it in the corner to level the scores.
Gracie had the ball in the net 10 minutes from half time when he slotted straight from a kick out from the keeper but it was disallowed, apparently for a foul as he was well onside when he started his run.
Two minutes later though the roof looked to have caved in as the Jags lost keeper Cherry to a red card for a foul as last man as he chaged out of his box. McAlembie was the unfortunate player to have to make way for sub keeper Ryan Cooper and what a start he made with a tremendous save to keep the resultant free kick out of the top corner.
Just before the interval Lesmahagow won a penalty after a melee in the box ended with Dickson committing the foul but it was a poor effort past the post and it was down to Cooper to keep the scores level as he produced two more worldies to send the teams in at 1-1.
Half time: Larkhall Thistle 1 Lesmahagow 1
Lesmahagow came out early for the second half and seemed determined to get a lead but Thistle weathered the early storm. As the pressure built though Gow did get the breakthrough just before the hour, a cross from the left found the number 8 in space. His shot was well saved by Cooper but the keeper could only parry it as far as Thomson who finished easily at the back post. His celebration might have been worth a booking with gestures to the home fans but the referee let the lad have his moment.
Thistle didn’t learn the lesson though and just minutes later an identical move saw the same player in space but once again Cooper was equal to his effort, this time a downward header that the keeper got across brilliantly to block.
Larkhall had their backs to the wall but in the 69th minute got an equaliser when Currie broke free and ran in on the keeper and rolled the ball past him. The Jags nearly took the lead moments later from a Gracie volley that the keeper scrambled to hold down at the foot of the post.
The ten men wee not going to be content with a point and showed tremendous spirit and battling qualities in their quest for a winner. It nearly came three minutes from time when Sean Gallagher had a clear shot from the edge of the box that he put just over the bar.
Right on the final whistle of a pulsating match though the goal did come and it was that man Jack Currie again, he got the ball on the left edge of the box and calmly stepped inside before curling the ball low into the far corner of the net. The roar that greeted the goal was a mixture of joy at getting the winning goal along with a relief that Thistle were now indeed back, the biggest result since the promotion win against St Roch’s.
Maybe a bit unfair to single anybody out in what was a magnificent team performance all round but take a bow Ryan Cooper and Jack Currie you were both brilliant.
Full time: Larkhall Thistle 3 Lesmahagow 2
Larkhall Thistle:
Cherry; Cowan, Dickson, Boyle, Dawson; Gallagher, McAlembie (Cooper 37), O’Hagan (B. Wilson 75), Bartoz (Cuthbertson 12), Currie, Gracie