Another disappointing result in a disappointing season for Kirrie Thistle losing 2-0 to relegation rivals Dundee Violet, this loss means they languish seven points from safety with only seven games remaining. Kirrie welcomed back the reliable Morrice and captain Archibald from injury as well as the suspended Farquharson but without top scorer Ross Lunan failed to score for the sixth game running. Thistle, as in past games, started the brighter with captain Archibald sending a header just wide from a Smith corner. Again Smith provided, throwing into the box for Archibald who flicked the ball onto his brother, and debutant Steven who's audacious overhead kick flew just over the bar. At this point the game was completely one sided with George volleying inches wide before G.Archibald fired a shot into the keeper Hutchison's hands. But the game changed ten minutes before half time when striker Duell was played through, with suspicion of offside, and lobbed the on rushing Stewart only to see his effort cannon back off the crossbar. However, recently signed Murray was there to profit tapping in at the second attempt. A speculative free kick from long range by Morrice was scrambled away meaning Kirrie went in one down at the break.
The second half proved a tighter affair with Thistle almost levelling straight from kick off, S.Archibald being played 1v1 with goalkeeper Hutchison but the big man did well to block. However the Violet keeper was almost left red faced when he failed to hold a long range Smith volley but he had his defenders to thank for clearing before Miller could profit. The side from Dundee doubled their lead when Mair cut in from the right and had a shot on goal, which was spilled by Stewart at Murray's feet who grabbed his second of the game.
Thistle were given a chance to get back in the game when Smith was brought down in the area. But George couldn't beat the former Thistle keeper Hutchison who got a strong hand to his powerful effort. Things went from bad to worse when Farquharson, who had just returned from suspension, was shown a straight red for insulting the referee. As the game drew to a close Murray almost completed his hat trick but after rounding Stewart his shot was superbly blocked by George on the line. With no win in ten games and league leaders Fauldhouse United the visitors on Saturday, relegation is a very real possibility for the recently promoted outfit.

Glen Barclay