It was the home side who made the early running and took the lead after only 5 minutes after Rabs lost possession in midfield the defence failed to cut out a through pass allowing Sean Pierce to run on fire past Robertson. The Ayrshire side should have made it two seven minutes later but Little headed over when in a good position.

Rabs were seen more as an attacking force as the half wore on with Gormley driving a Diack corner just wide of the target then minutes later from a Jamie Lindsay lay-off MacKay shot past the post. In the 26th minute Connick made a brilliant stop to prevent an equaliser from Gormley. Ten minutes before the break Alan Lindsay sent a free-kick curling inches past.

Five minutes before the half-time whistle Connick again made another wonderful save from Gormley the ball was cleared up-field to Sean Pierce who ran through to slip the ball past Robertson at the second attempt.

                                                        Half Time ;- Largs Thistle 2 v Rob Roy 0.

Thistle increased their lead in the 60th minute when the unmarked Creag Little headed a corner past Robertson. Three minutes later Rabs made a double substitution sending on Coakley and Fulton for J Lindsay and McAleenan. Rabs hauled a goal back in the 70th minute when substitute Adam Coakley turned an Alan Lindsay pass past Connick then two minutes later Adam Coakley gave the travelling support hope when he turned in the box before sending the ball past Connick for his 12th competitive goal of the season.

Rabs hopes for at least a share of the points vanished in the 82nd minute when a Robertson cross was headed home by Kevin Struthers to ease Thistle's nerves. Rabs made their final substitution five minutes before the final whistle with McBride replacing Alan Lindsay.

Coakley and Doyle had late attempts but could not beat keeper Stephen Connick who produced a wonderful performance between the sticks for Largs.

                                                 Full Time;- Largs Thistle 4 v Rob Roy 2.

Verdict; Rabs probably had the best chances but were given a lesson in chance taking by a faster Thistle side. A result which could have been vital to them but with Monday's defeat at Newlandsfield its now a case of the drop or the play-offs for them with Talbot and Medda to play.

Ref Watch;- Referee James Burns will never be a favourite with Rabs fans after his debacle at Beith earlier in the season and he did nothing to change their minds on Saturday with another inconsistent performance.