Thistle spurn twogoal lead in home defeat

SOUTH Lochaber Thistle succumbed to their third defeat of the season after letting a twogoal lead slip in the second half.

The Jags were two-nil up on the hour mark before a defensive capitulation in the final 30 minutes gave the three points to Westcliff and left the home side reeling in defeat.

Westcliff made the long trip from Dumbarton to Kinlochleven and brought with them a particularly physical style of play.

That didn’t initially put off the Jags, who continued their good attacking form.

The Jags took the lead after 25 minutes courtesy of a Dave Forbes goal. He finished what was a well-worked move from the midfield through the forwards to slot past the keeper. Thistle continued to dominate the first half but, despite the pressure, were unable to extend their lead.

The second half started brightly and SLT left off from where they finished the first hald. Substitute Craig Cameron made it 2-0 to the home side after rounding the keeper.

Spurred on by this second goal, Westcliff fought back and pulled a goal back with a long distance strike.

Thistle still pressed for more goals and were awarded a penalty only for Dave Forbes to see his spot kick saved by the visitors’ goalkeeper.

This gave the visiting side renewed optimism and cracks began to show in SLT’s defence. Westcliff were eventually able to draw the game level with 20 minutes left on the clock.

With Westcliff now well and truly in the ascendancy, the Jags were struggling to contain the pressure. The visitors got the rewards of their hard work, scoring a winner with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

The Jags were unable to respond with a goal themselves and so the visitors left with all three points. SLT will be hoping to bounce back next Saturday as they head to Greenock to play their old sparring partners Bellaire.

SLT Moan, Kennedy, Macleod, P Mcfatridge, Ferguson, Morrison (Birrell), Forbes (Scally), Hendrie, Munro, Barker (Cameron (Maclean) Tot (Mcfatridge).

Man of the match: Shaun Hendrie.