For the second week running Thistle failed to collect three points, this time against local rivals Blairgowrie at Westview Park. As in past weeks Kirrie held their own in the first half but threw the game away in the second however. Blairgowrie's top scorer Neave tested Knox's crossbar early on with a bullet header which was a sign of things to come and whilst one on one with Knox moments later his shot sailed over the goal. A good run by Kirrie's McBride allowed loanee Robb to loop a left footed effort just shy of the top corner, before Neave again created a chance this time drifting through two challenges and testing Knox from the edge of the box.
Blair continued to press in an attempt to claim an opener, and would have claimed it if not for a superb save from Knox pushing Kelly's effort onto the bar. And the sides went in level at the break following a reasonably even first half in which both sides missed some good chances.

The second half started as the last had finished with a frantic pace, which presented Kirrie a glorious chance when O'Brien mis-kicked on the edge of his box but neither McBride, Muckersie or Duffy could convert from the slip up. The opening goal came in the 61st minute when substitute Findlay crossed for the troublesome Neave to head in from six yards. The visitors pushed on and killed the game off within a 5 minute spell in which Millar slotted into the side netting from close range before Hood volleyed in a half cleared cross at the near post. A long ball from Conway sent returning Smith in one on one with O'Brien but the goalkeeper made the strike look easy. Kirrie claimed a consolation when Ogg played Smith through again and unlike before he beat O'Brien and his shot was deflected in off defender Millar, one for the dubious goals panel.

Kirrie Thistle sink to eleventh in the league whilst Blairgowrie go second. Thistle face the difficult challenge of Thorniewood United next week in the 2nd Round of the Scottish Cup.

Glen Barclay