Pre-season Friendly
Petershill Complex
Petershill v Larkhall Thistle
Thistle travelled to Superleague Premier team Petershill for the second of their pre-season friendlies in what was to be the hottest day of the year so far. The 3G surface was in sharp contrast to the slightly long grass of Saturday and the players of both sides were given a good workout on the road back to full match fitness.
The Jags started the game well but after an initial flurry the Glasgow giants took control, although it was 15 minutes into the game before they had their first real effort on goal with a lob over Jags keeper Colquohoun that also cleared the bar. Thistle’s first attempt had to wait until the 24th minute when Graham Gracie did well to set up Ryan Innes, but the midfielder’s half volley went over the bar.
‘Hill’s best chance of the half came after half an hour with a free header from six yards that went past the post, Thistle’s only other real attempt at breaking the first half scoring deadlock came again from Innes who headed over the bar seven minutes from the break.
Half Time: Petershill 0 Larkhall Thistle 0
Petershill restarted the better team and nearly scored after five minutes when Colquohoun had to get down well to save at point blank from a close range effort after a good move down the right. It wasn’t long before they had an even better chance to take the lead when Duris mistimed a tackle in the box but the spot kick was high and wide.
Colquohoun had to look lively again four minutes later and produced another good save from a free kick bent round the Jags wall. Thistle were under pressure and riding their luck a bit but looked like they might hold out for a draw, the hopes were increased in the 75th minute when the Jags shocked the home team by taking the lead. David Reid who was the brightest looking of the trialists on view did brilliantly to drive down the left wing before leaving the full back for dead and cutting a perfect ball across the six yard area for Ross McGeachie to tap in.
The lead only lasted eight minutes though, a deflected shot left Colquohoun floundering but he couldn’t manage to scoop the ball out and it trickled over the line for the equaliser. Petershill added to the goal a couple of minutes later when they were awarded their second penalty for a clumsy challenge and this time there was no mistake.
As well as David Reid, Mark Reid Lee Brown, Earl Cooke and Willie Gracie all made second half appearances and Jags manager Dunky Sinclair will no doubt have some food for thought.
Thistle held their own for 45 minutes with their first choice team on the night and can take great heart from a very good performance on the night, the defeat being no disgrace at all.
Full Time: Petershill 2 Larkhall Thistle 1
Thistle scorers: McGeachie