This was always going to be a stern test against a Premier League team and after Wednesday night’s fine display, Dunky once again rung the changes.
Young David Thomson was given a start in goal and his namesake Liam Thomson also given a starting berth, with Graham Gracie and Scott Nicholl returning from suspensions. Paul Burns and Bryan Felvus were not considered due to injury and Ryan Innes was ill.
As expected the Premier League team started strongly and the young keeper was called into action early and made a couple of good stops. However it was no great surprise when the visitors took the lead when their No9 lobbed the Thistle keeper for the opening goal. Thistle at this stage were not getting to grips as an attacking force with Rob Roy very much on top. They increased their lead from the penalty spot when referee decided that Neil Schoneville had fouled the Rob Roy forward in the box, soft to say the least. It was duly converted and the visitors went in at half time deservedly 2 goals to the good.
Half Time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Rob Roy 2
Dunky made his first change at half time with David Reid replacing Liam Thomson but the pattern of the game continued like the first half and the visitors increased their lead after a goalmouth scramble. Stuart Thomson then replaced David Thomson in goal and Gary McStay and Matty Clarke replaced Graham Gracie and Mark McKeever.
The Jags slowly came into the game with some fine interpassing and they forced upteen corners with no end product. Matty Clarke did however get them back into the game when he beat two defenders to slot the ball home. Niall Reynolds then replaced Jordan Marshall and Declan Doyle replaced Andy Brown.
McStay was beginning to influence the game and he hit a sublime flick to send Reid through 0n the keeper and he duly netted. The home team were now in command but Thomson had to make a good diving save to stop the visitors increasing their lead. Thistle got back on level terms after a fine move involving McStay and Reid whose cross into the box was stroked home by Hugh Kelly.
Overall a good exercise for both teams.
Half Time: Larkhall Thistle 2 Rob Roy 2