Kirkintilloch Rob Roy power to a win over league strugglers

Largs Thistle 1

West Region Super Premier League

Three goals in the opening twenty minutes set Rabs up for a straightforward win over league strugglers Largs Thistle.

From the start Rabs searched for the opening goal.

From a Deas lay off, Sawyers’ shot was blocked by Thistle’s keeper McWilliams. Minutes later the keeper was again in action this time making a superb save from Martin. In the 8th minute the home side went in front when, from a Martin cross, Jarvis hammered the ball past McWilliams.

Rabs kept up the pressure. Mitchell scraped the crossbar with a 20 yard drive then the same player fastened on to a Deas pass but was unlucky to see his powerful effort go narrowly past McWilliams upright. In the 18th minute Rabs increased their lead when Moffat set up Mitchell to unleash a great strike which flew past keeper McWilliams.

Rabs stranglehold on the game heightened two minutes later when they made it 3-0 after Mitchell sent a glorious finish into the Largs net from 18 yards. Rabs were denied a fourth goal when Deas was adjudged as being offside before netting. At the other end home keeper McPherson made a fine stop from a well -placed Monaghan shot.

The visitors were fortunate on the half hour mark when Martin crashed his shot against the upright with the ball rebounding into the arms of McWilliams. On the stroke of half time Martin flashed a shot inches wide.

A minute after the interval Rabs should have extended their lead but Martin miskicked in front of goal. Rabs maintained their momentum with McKenzie breaking down the left wing before sending an effort high and wide then Sawyers sending a cross from Rabs trialist just over the bar.

In the 65th minute Rob Roy added a fourth when Deas shot hit both posts before nestling in the back of the net.

With all three points assured Rabs stepped down a gear and introduced three substitutes in the final 15 minutes.

With eight minutes remaining McPherson made a brilliant save from Struthers as Lindsay chased the loose ball.

Smith gave away a needless penalty when he fouled the Largs player inside the penalty area giving Referee Newlands an easy decision to make. Struthers easily netted from the spot giving Thistle what amounted to a consolation goal.

Rob Roy: McPherson, Trialist, McKenzie (Duff 75), Carter, Smith, Moffat (Hunter 77), Martin, Mitchell, Sawyers, Deas (Urquhart 77), Jarvis.