Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 1:00pm

Whe-Ho crash out of cup

DESPAIR: Yoker could not hold out for victory

Yoker Athletic............................. 1

Largs Thistle.............................. 2

YOKER'S cup dream ended on Saturday after Largs Thistle grabbed a late winner at Holm Park.

The Ayrshire side now take their place in the third round draw of the Stagecoach West of Scotland Cup at the expense of the Whe-Ho.

But Yoker boss John Brogan reckons more performances like this from his side can lead to a successful league campaign.

He told Sport Scene: "It was a good game from a neutral's point of view.

"We played well but so did Largs, they are a good side, but I'm delighted by the players' performance.

"We never gave up, we kept playing on, and we have a lot to be happy about.

"We just want to win the league now and I'm sure we can do that if we play to this standard every week."

The visitors started brightly and had the ball in the net after 10 minutes when Ross McMillan's strike beat keeper Steven Soave, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Yoker cashed-in on the let-off just four minutes later when Tom Jamieson handled in the box and James McLernon made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way as he rifled the ball into the bottom right corner.

Despite the setback, Largs began to control the game and were unfortunate not draw level after 28 minutes when midfielder Stephen Kyle fired a shot which beat keeper Soave, but his effort crashed off the bar and back into play.

The Theestle then had another effort at goal just before half-time as a cross by Angus Gault found striker Gordon Lappin, but his effort also hit the woodwork as Yoker survived to preserve until the break.

However, they were unable to keep the hungry visitors at bay for long and in 52 minutes a free-kick from Ross McMillan was headed across goal for Lappin to head the premier league outfit level.

The Whe-Ho launched a spirited response and minutes later a cross by defender Graeme Dempsey found Neil Schoneville, but he was only able to head over the bar with the keeper stranded.

But Largs looked just as likely to claim the winner and, with time running out, a right foot strike by substitute Ryan Deas went flying past Soave in the Yoker goal three minutes from time.

Yoker's hopes of going through nose-dived in the dying seconds when Largs substitute James Marks was fouled in the box and referee Kirkwood was in no doubt to award a penalty to the visitors.

Striker Lappin's spot-kick effort rattled against the post but there was no time left for Yoker to cash-in on the reprieve.

Yoker Athletic: Soave, Dempsey, McKellar, Vickers, Schoneville, Bissland, Carson, McLernon, Strain (Nicolson 63), Marshall, McManus. Subs not used: Clark, McCready, Smith, Bain, Hannaway.