Third defeat in a row for Jags

Mar 11 2009 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

Third defeat in a row for Jags

WITH a performance as grim as the weather, East Kilbride Thistle were outplayed at home by Kilsyth Rangers and dropped another three precious league points.

This was the third defeat on the trot for the Jags and compounded their relegation fears. Thistle had only one shot on target in this match and that’s simply not good enough if they want to avoid playing in division two next season.

Billy Struthers returned to midfield after being injured against Shotts, while Sammy McCulloch joined Graham McGhee in central defence, allowing Ryan Kelly the opportunity to play a more attacking midfield role.

With Kilsyth signalling their intentions to attack, it took only nine minutes before the Thistle goal was under threat.

A dangerous cross from Tony Martin on the left looked to have been collected comfortably in the air by Johnny Murdoch but the ball squirmed through his hands in the wet conditions, deflecting upwards onto the bar and – luckily for the Jags – away to safety.

Kilsyth's Michael Daly had a good opportunity in 19 minutes when he outstripped Sammy McCulloch but Murdoch saved with his leg.

Kilsyth had the ball in the net in 21 minutes when Martin took advantage of a defensive mix-up when Thistle could not clear their lines. The striker slotted the ball home beyond Murdoch but the nearside assistant flagged for offside.

It took until the 26th minute for Thistle to create an opportunity, when Ryan Kelly was allowed a clear shot on goal, but the final strike sailed well over the bar.

A lot of the creativity for Kilsyth was coming down the left wing and such a move in 40 minutes almost paid dividends. A cross from Jamie Valentine found the head of striker Daly but Murdoch got his body behind the header and was able to collect at the second attempt.

As half-time approached, Tony Martin was again troubling the Thistle defence and as he ran into the area and brushed against Barry Russell. Although there did not appear to be too much contact, the referee pointed to the spot.

Scott Upton stepped up and despite a valiant attempt from Murdoch, he managed to find the bottom corner of the net to put the visitors ahead.

Jags' manager Colin Mitchell recognised the lack of pace in his central defensive partnership at half-time, moving Kelly back into the sweeper position, and replacing McCulloch with Jonathan Tiffoney.

But Kilsyth went two goals ahead in 65 minutes when a long ball out of defence found Martin on the left hand side of the Thistle box. As Murdoch tried to close the angle, Martin coolly slotted past him.

The Jags had their one and only shot on target when a left-footed free kick from the edge of the area from McGhee forced Duke to save low to his right.

The final blow came four minutes into injury time when a long ball out of defence from Kilsyth beat the Thistle offside trap. Richard Bowers latched on to the ball and shot past Murdoch to put his team three ahead.

This performance from Thistle lacked urgency and effort and with only three shots on goal in the whole game –s and just one on target.

Perhaps the players don’t yet realise the situation they are in but if they don't up their performance soon it may be too late to avoid the drop.

Next for Thistle is an away trip to fellow strugglers Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday. Kick-off at Abbey Park is scheduled for 2pm.