Wigtown jag Thistle’s title hopes

LOCHAR Thistle’s grip on the South of Scotland League title took a hit last Saturday as an excellent performance from Wigtown and Bladnoch saw the home side secure a surprising 1-0 victory at Trammondford Park. It was clear from the start that Wigtown were out to frustrate Lochar, and they restricted the visitors to only a few attempts on goal. Robbie Ferguson and Lewis Todd went close but their efforts were both off target, while Scott Milligan’s free kick also went over the bar. With halftime approaching disaster struck for Thistle when Kyle Braid was short with a back pass to Darren Holt, allowing the Wigtown striker to take full advantage and slot the ball home. The second half was predominantly played in the Wigtown half as the home side were happy to try and soak up the pressure and defend. Numerous chances came and went for Thistle as the home defence blocked, cleared and put their head where many would not put their feet. With the clock continuing to tick Lochar threw everything at their opponents but could not make the breakthrough. Todd, Ferguson, Greig Corbett and Craig McKeand all had chances thwarted. Thistle will have to dust themselves down quickly as attention turns to this Saturday’s Cup Winner’s Shield away trip to Crossgates Primrose. Elsewhere, Abbey Vale lost out 3-1 at home to Creetown. Max Hughes equalised direct from a corner to make it 1-1 at the end of the first half, but the Ferrytoun added two second half goals to secure the points. Vale face Stranraer Reserves on Saturday at the NWCC in the SCFA Cup quarter finals, kick off is at 3 pm.