Thistle’s first competitive game under the new management provided a look at what might be expected in the coming season and the early signs are it’s going to be an uphill struggle. Glencairn were four up inside 18 minutes and the signs were that it was only going to get worse but to their credit the young Thistle team steadied the ship and saw out the rest of the half on more or less even terms, albeit with the keeper pulling off a couple of very good saves.

Half time: Rutherglen Glencairn 4 Larkhall Thistle 0

Two early second half goals for Glencairn took any sting out what was left of Thistle’s recovery ambitions and for the rest of the game it was damage limitation, three further goals could have been more but for more excellent work from the keeper.

Fair to say that the project still needs a bit of work.

Full time: Rutherglen Glencairn 9 Larkhall Thistle 0

Thistle have noone to blame but themselves with a poor display at Lanark and many missed chances at Lesmahagow.

On to the league with a tough start away to Rossvale at Petershill’s Park on Saturday.

Thistle went in to what was shaping up to be a showdown for the Section 1 title and came out on top in what was a surprisingly one-sided contest. The result leaves the Jags waiting for Saturday’s fixtures to see if they are overhauled by either Lanark or Gow on goal difference.

See match report of Lesmahagow v Thistle

(No video of the game due to technical difficulties, sorry)

Thistle travelled to Lanark for Game 3 of the Sectional League Cup and even though the hosts were poor in the league last season, the Jags must have expected much more of a test than Wednesday’s easy win against Forth.

So it proved to be and Section 1 is now wide open with everybody except the Albert in with a chance of winning it.

See match report of Lanark v Thistle

Video highlights

Match report Thistle 7 Forth 2

Video highlights of Thistle v Forth (including all goals!!)

With Lesmahagow’s ground being out of action due to last year’s flooding, Thistle were the visitors to their own park in this group decider. Home advantage probably played a part in the end as the Jags ran out decisive winners.

The quarter final will now be against Cumbernauld at Gasworks Park, this coming Wednesday 27th at 6:30pm

See full match report of Lesmahagow v Thistle here

If the Gow win the toss it could be Carluke, Stonehouse or even Gasworks Park again!

It’s winner takes all on Saturday and it should be a cracking cup tie with the Jags out to avenge last season’s 3-2 defeat at home in the decider.

It could well be the first time the fixture has ever taken place outside Larkhall.