Thistle manager Derek Holmes made two changes from last week’s defeat to Muirkirk, Simpson and Hunter replacing Miller and Brunton but the Jags once again fell behind to an early goal.

Worse was to follow though when they were caught out badly down the problem right defensive side as Dalry broke away, the cross easily finished at the back post to give the home side a two goal lead at the interval.

Half time: Dalry Thistle 2 Larkhall Thistle 0

The second half started with Michael Brunton coming on for Ben Fraser at left back, a switch that looked like it must have been down to an injury.

Larkhall began the second half well with a good spell of pressure, a shot from Brunton brought loud claims for a penalty for handball and his follow up shot was heading into the roof of the net and only stopped by a great save as the Dalry keeper tipped the ball over the bar.

Thistle got the goal that their pressure deserved with 15 minutes left through a simple cross and a header from Breen that went in off the bottom of the post.

In the closing stages of the match both teams went for it and Larkhall keeper Colin McGraw had by far his best game as he made no fewer than five excellent saves to prevent the home side extending their lead.

For the third week in a row Thistle pounded the opposition defence in the closing stages and had a couple of chances to score and claim that elusive first point but again it wasn’t to be.

Full time: Dalry Thistle 2 Larkhall Thistle 1

Scorer: Breen

Larkhall Thistle:
McGowan, Rowan, Fraser, Boyle, McMurray, Dick, 11 Simpson, 8 Forbes 7 O’Hagan (Campbell), 9 Bartosz, Miller 10 Hunter (Breen), 12 Brunton. Subs Miller, Cooper (GK)

Thistle began their league campaign against Irvine Victoria, a team who found themselves in the same situation of having no players, manager or money going forward into the new season.

The first half showed a marked improvement in the young Jags team as they saw out the half on level terms with the sides creating a couple of chances each.

Half time: Larkhall Thistle 0 Irvine Victoria 0

The second half started with Vics doing most of the pressing and they got the breakthrough when the ball broke from a corner and was steered in for the opener. However the game turned on a couple of wild tackles from Ross Adams in a five minute spell resulting in Thistle being reduced to ten men.

Having just about held their own and stayed in the game at 11 v 11, the extra man proved too much and the Jags collapsed with Irvine tearing the defence apart almost at will. Vics scored again straight after the sending off with a free kick that took a horrible bobble when the keeper looked to have it covered but three more goals in a five minute spell tied it up. Thistle pulled one back from the penalty spot but lost the six almost straight from the restart.

With Irvine Victoria as one of the teams potentially competing at the foot of the table for survival, this is a benchmark of the improvement that will be needed to stay in the league.

Full time: Larkhall Thistle 1 Irvine Victoria 6

Larkhall Thistle:
Cooper; Gibb, Kidd, Holmes, J. Adams, R. Adams, Riddoch, Broaton, Bartloz, M. Cuthbertson, Torrance
Subs: Munn, Airth, S. Cuthbertson, Campbell, McMurray

Scorer: Bartloz