Thistle pay the penalty after poor start at Troon

Two late penalties knocked the stuffing out of Larkhall Thistle as they went in search of an equaliser at 3-2 against Troon.

Troon’s Scott Mclean scored in five minutes, then added a second on 30, with Johnny Duncan pulling off a wonder-save to deny him a hat-trick.

Thistle rallied and Graham Gracie pulled a goal back after good work by Ryan Innes and Davie Reid, and they stepped that up in the second half, with Mark Canning (pictured) driving home a Craig Forbes corner.

Mclean did complete his hat-trick, and as Thistle went looking for an equaliser Troon were awarded a controversial penalty five minutes from time, and they were then given another late award, taking the score to 5-2.

Manager Duncan Sinclair said: “The referee was poor but we didn’t help ourselves by going down 2-0 at half-time, although we scored two good goals through Graham and Mark. “we dominated play after the restart, then the referee awarded a penalty – which was a bad decision in my book. “Troon officials shared our concern, but they scored.

“Then they wee awarded another penalty right after that and scored from that as well.”

Eight county clubs were given home ties in the Scottish Cup second round draw last week.

Blantyre Vics, Forth Wanderers, Lanark United, Lesmahagow, Royal Albert, Shotts, Thorniewood and Wishaw all face opposition on their own patch, while Larkhall Thistle, Carluke Rovers and Bellshill Athletic are on the road.

Ties, to be played on Saturday, October 28, are: Blantyre Vics v Lochgelly Albert; Forth Wanderers v Irvine Vics; Kilwinning Rangers v Larkhall Thistle; Kirkintilloch v Carluke Rovers; Lanark United v Dalkeith Thistle; Lesmahagow v Arthurlie; Royal Albert v Pollok; Shotts Bon Accord v Muirkirk; St Roch’s v Bellshill; Thorniewood United v Dundonald Bluebell; Wishaw v Arniston Rangers.