EK edge thrilling cup tie

Claremont Amateurs ..... 2 EK Thistle Amateurs ...... 3

Gary Noble netted a landmark goal to help EK Thistle Amateurs send local rivals Claremont crashing out of the Scottish Cup.

Following a 100 per cent start in the league, the Jags faced their toughest challenge of the season so far in this first round tie.

They had to come from behind to edge a five-goal thriller, with a late penalty from Noble earning the win and his 70th goal in three years with the club.

Thistle started well with Steven Oates breaking through the Claremont defence to put the Jags 1-0 up.

However, Claremont equalised just before the break and a goal of the season contender from Barry Kelly at the start of the second half put Claremont ahead.

With 20 minutes to go, Thistle pulled level from the penalty spot. Jordan Conner got in front of his man in the box and was taken out, allowing Cammy Smith to take responsibility from the spot and coolly slot home for 2-2.

Deja vu struck in the 80th minute when Conner was hacked down in the box again for a penalty. With Smith off the park, Noble, Thistle’s all time leading scorer, stepped up to convert and claim victory.

Claremont’s day got worse late on when their keeper was sent off for a deliberate handball outside the box.

Thistle will discover their second round opponents tomorrow.