Today at 10:48 AM

Looking to bounce back after their disappointing league campaign of last season a rejuvenated Kirrie Thistle left it late to triumph over local rivals Forfar Albion on the opening day of the season. The game started well for Thistle with several good chances being squandered in the opening exchange; most notably a Russell volley from close range that was fired over. Thistle continued their dominance midway into the half and should have taken the lead when a Stuart Hill cross was bundled past the post via midfield man Russell from three yards.

Kirrie were made to rue their misses around the half hour mark, when on their first venture up field Albion took a surprise lead. A long ball from defence being collected by ex Dundee FC man Milne who turned his marker and floated a lovely cross to the back post for veteran Clark to head into the empty net. And things went from bad to worse for the visitors when again Milne received the through ball, this time firing past the onrushing Knox and into the net off defender Conway. Thistle responded from the centre with Duffy testing Gorton in the Forfar goal with a lengthy effort which the young keeper tipped over and then again from the corner with Massie volleying inches wide.

The second half started slowly with both sides creating very little in the way of chances. But Thistle knew they had to pull a goal back quickly so brought on Marc Ogg just after the break and he instantly made a difference raising the tempo of Kirrie's play. And after some neat play by the sub the ball was worked to captain George who unbelievably managed to blast over the bar where it appeared harder to do so. However Thistle, with ten minutes remaining did pull a goal back: Stewart Russell converting a Muckersie cross with his head to set up a grandstand finish. And Kirrie got their deserved equaliser minutes later when Sievwright's low cross was prodded home by Davie Miller past the impressive Gorton. The unlikely comeback was completed by Muckersie from the spot, placing low to his left out of the sprawling keepers reach, following Florence's tired foul on Miller. An incredible ten minutes of football was rounded off when Massie set Sievwright in one on one with Gorton and the returning star skipped past the helpless goalkeeper and dispatched with ease.

A well fought victory by Thistle's young guns, who will only improve as the season gets going.

Reporter: Glen Baclay