Bustling Joe breaks deadlock in final minutes

Aug 14 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BUSTLING Joe Shields broke the deadlock with three minutes remaining of Saturday’s Larkhall derby, giving Thistle a winning start to their Sectional League Cup campaign.

And that was a major blow to Royal Albert who, after clocking up their first win in a year with the 3-2 midweek triumph at Stonehouse, looked to have earned a point.

New signing Andy Bonner, son of Celtic goalkeeping legend Pat, set up the move from midfield with a pass to Leon Kondol, and his cross was turned in by Shields.

“It was one of the few good bits of football in the game,” said Thistle boss Bobby Crilly.

“Any victory is appreciated, especially as we had 10 players missing – five or six of whom would have been in the team.”

Holidays robbed Thistle of several players, including Brian Eadie, Francis Brodie, Andy Dorrans, Robert Crossey and David Forrester, while new signing Steve Watson was getting married on Saturday, and Brian Watret was suspended.

Albert boss Ian McCluskie said: “It was so near, yet so far. I didn’t think there was much between the teams.

“We’re getting better, I just hope they can keep it up for the league campaign.”

Craig Cooper headed in the first goal at Stonehouse from a corner, Scott McLachlan rounded the keeper to score, and Barry Murdoch netted the third with a penalty.

Lanark United opened their Section One programme with a 3-1 win at home to Lesmahagow, with goals from Darren Jaffray, Mark Keegans and own goal from Gerry Jamieson while John Logan scored for the visitors. Kevin Duris was on target for Lesmahagow in Saturday’s 1-1 ‘home’ draw at Stonehouse.