Kirriemuir Thistle started the new campaign as they mean to go on with a convincing 3-1 victory away against Scone Thistle. Having went down 6-1 to Scone last time out Kirrie, boasting a completely changed side under new manager Finlayson, started brightly with local lad Davie Millar having the first effort of the game; his looping volley from outside the box inches away from finding the net. But after ten minutes Kirrie did find the opener when Darren Cox was allowed space to burst down the left wing and beat his man with ease before crossing to Stewart Russell who's effort was brilliantly saved by keeper Rice. But after failing to clear their lines Scone were made to pay when Millar gathered on the edge of the box and cut inside onto his left foot, he looked up and curled a wonderful effort into the far top left corner giving the keeper no chance. 

Moments later winger Murdoch was presented with a similar opportunity however he failed to emulate him, curling just over. Thistle thought they had doubled their lead ten minutes later when Cox fired in brilliantly following top link up play by Martin & Millar however the ref blew up for an alleged push by Cox. But the second goal was not long in coming and when Murdoch was tripped on the right wing Cox stepped up to whip a brilliant free kick onto the head of skipper Russell who powered his header into the goal. 

Scone offered very little in terms of attacking threat in the first half with Dewar having their only real chance in the opening half an hour, driving over from distance. But as the half drew to a close ex Brechin Vics man Whitworth had a glorious chance to pull one back with a free header from 6 yards however he screwed his effort wide. 

The second half started as the first had with Thistle coming out of the blocks fast, Steve Martin almost put the game beyond doubt with a header that floated just over then again firing just wide following a skilful run into the box. Last seasons top scorer Russell grabbed his second of the game midway through the half glancing in Boyds spectacular free kick delivery from 40 yards. Scone grabbed a consolation late on via a Mitchell volley from the edge of the away box but Kirrie held on well for the win. Elsewhere in the league Blairgowrie were held 4-4 at Newbrough, Forfar Albion were put to the sword by Brechin Vics the score 5-1 at Guthrie Park, Glenrothes and last years top side Downfield drawing 0-0 and league contenders Kinnoull winning 3-1 against North End. But without doubt the shock result of the day was at Foxhall Park where retuning side Coupar Angus put 5 past Lochee Harp and now proudly sit at the top of the table.

Thistle face East Craigie at home in out next game. 

Glen Barclay