Jags grab first point of campaign

Larkhall Thistle got their first point of their Championship campaign in a 0-0 draw at home to fifth-placed Whitletts Vics.

It was Larkhall’s first home league fixture since November, their first clean sheet of the season and a first visit by a Vics side who admitted they were lucky to escape with a point.

After Vics’ Isaac Kerr forced a fine save from Ryan Cooper in the first half, Thistle dominated, with a header crashing off the post, before Kris Dick fired over, Michael Brunton had a goal harshly chalked off for offside and Dylan O’hagan sent a header over.

The best chance of the game fell to Dylan Simpson, who was denied by a fine save from Martin Fraser. Royal Albert grabbed a well-deserved 2-1 win at Shettleston, which moved them up to eighth in West League One.

Jack Baptie got Albert off the mark in 13 minutes, Liam Fergusson levelled for Shettleston, but Simon Eeles scored the winner two minutes after the interval.

Shettleston’s indiscipline then cost them in the last 10 minutes as three players picked up second bookings, which saw them end the game with eight men.

Kris Jarvie, who left Forth Wanderers late in the week, was a trialist for Albert and played 25 minutes, while Gary Fallon, who is on loan from League Two side Thorniewood United, got a 20-minute run-out.

Manager Jamie Nesbitt said: “It was a great win away to Shettleston and puts us back on track for target of staying in the league.

“It was good to get a win and jump a couple of places in the league, including overtaking Shettleston.” our Gartcairn’s 6-1 win at Greenock moves them five points clear at the top of the table, as idle Shotts drop down to third.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers are a point ahead of Shotts in second, but the county side have two games in hand over them, and one over Gartcairn.