Fullerton Park
Vale of clyde v Larkhall Thistle
Central League First Division
Dunky fielded an unchanged team from last week’s 0-0 draw with Neilston for this clash with Euroscot League Cup Finalists Vale of Clyde.
As in previous matches Thistle started well, playing neat passing football on a good surface and looked really comfortable in possession and it was no surprise when Ryan Innes rose unchallenged to head the visitors into the lead from a fine Nicholl cross. Graham Gracie was desperately unlucky, when after latching on to through ball from Jordan Marshall he shot narrowly past.
Vale of Clyde then made a change, removing their No6 after an incident with Ryan Innes who was booked for his part. The player to come on was their tall striker Hamilton which was a clear indication of how they intended to play the rest of the game.
Half time: Vale of Clyde 0 Larkhall Thistle 1
The second half started with the home team pressing for the equaliser but were held at bay by composed defending from the Jags back four, with Jordan Marshall outstanding.
The home team got back on level terms from the penalty spot after Mark McKeever gave away what can only be described as a needless penalty which was duly converted to level the scores. This gave the home team a lift and Alan Colqhoun was called into action with a tremendous stop which resulted in him requiring treatment from physio John Ross.
Thistle were soon back at the other end and John Connelly in the home goal had two fantastic stops from Gracie and the same player was desperately unlucky after a Brian Jack flick just eluded him. Dunky then withdrew Gary McStay and replaced him with Bryan Felvus. Gracie was next to be withdrawn and he was replaced by Matty Clarke. Felvus then missed with a header from inside the six yard box after a fine cross from Andy Brown somehow managing to clear the crossbar with Connelly stranded.
Both teams in the end seemed to be content with the draw although it must be said Thistle’s inability to finish cost them all three points.
Full time: Vale of Clyde 1 Larkhall Thistle 1
Larkhall Thistle: Colquhoun; Brown, Marshall, Reynolds, Nicholl; McKeever, Jack, Innes, Payne; Gracie, McStay
Subs: Schoneville, Clarke, Felvus, Burns, Reid
On a day when we had no real failures but must start taking chances the man of the match award goes to Jordan Marshall who did really well at the back.
This an apology for “exile” score last time we played Haddington Ath. it was 3-1 reason I am sure been doing a bit of research on John Sanaghan who is our guest when we play them again in Scottish on 26.th. September