It was the Moffat side’s first final appearance since 2019. And they gave a good account of themselves but unfortunately it was not to be on the night.
Following a sharper start by the side from Dumfries, Uppers gradually grew into the game and they should have taken the lead. But a miscue at the back post saw Thistle ‘keeper Konar Pietsch gather the effort with ease.
Pietsch was called into action again after 20 minutes, he made a wonder save to tip Richard Tambwe’s curling effort onto the bar before another fine save denied wide man David Nelson who had unleashed an effort from outside the box.
However, it was Lochar who made the breakthrough on 43 minutes when a trademark driving run from midfield from Lewis Todd fed Robbie Hogg on the right and with a galloping and overlapping Reece Irving screaming for the ball, Hogg released the youngster who in turn managed to fire beyond Ally Ferguson in the Uppers goal to send Thistle one up at the break.
Thistle’s second did not come until 80 minutes when a clever Hogg flick released substitute Robbie Ferguson who slotted home.
The icing on the cake for Chris Jardine’s side came in injury time when Ferguson found space on the right before an inviting cross was met by fellow substitute Brodie Turner at the back post.
On Saturday Mid Annandale entertained St Cuthbert Wanderers at Lockerbie. And the ensuing 7-0 scoreline, in favour of the hosts, ensured the overtook their Kirkcudbright opponents in the South of Scotland League table.
Benji Wagner’s second minute strike was the only highlight of a forgettable first half.
However, it was a much better second period from the Mids which saw them rattle in a further six goals without reply.
Luke Hammond netted a brace after scoring in the 54th and 85th minute, while an own goal on 82 minutes and a final minute counter from Mark Leesing accounted for four of the goals.
Before that a further two goals from Benji Wagner competed his well deserved hat trick.
It is also well worth mentioning that playing their parts in the victory were 17-year-olds Johnny Brandt and Romney McMillan along with 16-year-old debutant Kyle Storey.
Across at Whitehills Park in the South of Scotland League, Lochmaben secured all three points as they defeated bottom side Wigtown 3-2.
Jamie Daniels, Dougie Simpson and Jordan Atkinson got the goals for the Burgh.
