Thistle climbed to the top of the league at the weekend following a conclusive 4-2 win against Lochore Welfare. The game began at a slow pace with neither side finding their feet within the opening twenty minutes, with no shots on target to boot. However the visitors, having converted seven goals in their last two games broke the deadlock with the first attempt of the match. A cleared Lochore free kick was played into winger Steven Barclay who skipped past his opposite number before composing himself to curl into the top right corner, from 22 yards, past the helpless goalkeeper. Thistle's tempo increased and their lead did soon after, Muckersie sweeping home a delicious Sievwright cross into the roof of the net for his second of the season. And Barclay doubled his own tally for the campaign after a great team move, exchanging passes with fellow goalscorer Muckersie and less spectacularly beating the keeper at his near post.

As the half drew to a close Lochore ventured up field for the first time and grabbed an undeserved goal off the back of a Knox error, goalkeeper coming for the cross but unfortunately  punching the ball against the opposing striker and into the net.

Thistle came out in the second half firing, Muckersie testing the goalkeeper with a devilish free kick before Millar drove just wide of the mark. As the increasing winds began to prove problematic Welfare, a custom to the conditions, began to get back into the contest, having a goal chalked off for offside. Before seeing a fine effort rebound off the inside of the up right. Unable to take their chances the hosts fell further behind Sievwright playing Massie down the wing who delivered a fantastic cross to Millar. Having scored in his previous two outings Millar failed to disappoint and after checking onto his left fired through a tyrant of defenders for 4-1. New acquisition Ryan 'Smudger' Smith had a chance late on for a debut goal but was denied by the keeper who held well. As the game petered out Welfare grabbed a second consolation after a defensive mishap however the signs are there that Kirrie could be in the mix for promotion once again. Next up for the Jags are Scone Thistle, who defeated newly relegated Kirkaldy YM 5-1.

Reporter: Glen Baclay