For the second week running Thistle travelled to the Granite Town. And manager Chris Jardine named an unchanged starting 11 following last week’s 8-1 demolition of Star in the first round of the Southern Counties Cup.
But, in comparison to last week’s affair, this match was a lot closer, and it took until extra time for the winner to arrive.
The opening goal came on 20 minutes, and it was the holders who went ahead from the penalty spot.
Reece Irving was upended inside the Dalbeattie box following good work down the right. And the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Lochar’s man on form Robbie Ferguson made no mistake rifling the ball into the bottom corner.
Star rallied after going behind and scored two goals before the interval.
Finlay Millar, on his debut, slid the ball under the onrushing Konar Pietsch after being played through on goal.
Dalbeattie then went ahead before the break after Pietsch conceded a penalty.
The spot kick was duly dispatched by Russell Williamson to send the home side 2-1 up at the break.
After a good start to the second period, Thistle drew level on 66 when Scott Milligan broke free down the right.
His cross was dummied by Robbie Hogg which saw the ball roll to Marcus Zygadlo who made no mistake in firing home the equaliser.
But Thistle soon found themselves down to ten men on 76 minutes after Rory Copland was shown a second yellow card.
However, Lochar continued to control large parts of the game.
Craig Adamson thought he had struck the winner deep into injury time, but his goal bound effort was blocked off the line.
Lochar did score what turned out to be the winner five minutes into extra time.
Milligan jinked past four defenders inside the box before his shot was ricocheted to the feet of Ferguson who lashed the ball high into the net.
The ten men put in a power of work throughout the time that remained. And the extra time saw a well deserved victory which sends Lochar into their third cup final of the season where a difficult game against Allan Jenkins Stranraer Reserves team awaits.
