Tuesday 6th May, 2025 at 11:28pm
Partick Thistle’s promotion play-off aspirations hit a stumbling block on Tuesday, as they were defeated 1-0 by Ayr United at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill in the first leg of their Premiership Play-off quarter-final.
Brian Graham and Mark Wilson’s men came into the tie off the back of victories against the Championship’s top two, Falkirk and Livingston, while Ayr had won three of their last ten matches.
Stuart Bannigan returned to the squad after serving his suspension, with Stevie Lawless also joining him in the starting XI, with Ben Stanway moving to the bench and the injured Sean Kelly making way as the Jags reverted to a back four.
It was a fiery atmosphere at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill with the crowd in the John Lambie Stand bedecked in red and yellow with a special banner marking the club’s famous colours created for the occasion.
It was a stunted start to proceedings, with Nick McAllister and Dan O’Reilly clashing heads minutes into the encounter, prompting a lengthy delay. McAllister opted to continue before signalling to come off, unable to continue. Dylan Watret replaced him as Ayr were forced into their first substitution with a mere nine minutes on the clock.
The opening twenty-five minutes were cagey, with very little attacking prowess on show and a lot of the referee’s whistle, as the game struggled to spark into life. There was only one chance in that time, a Marco Rus effort for Ayr which David Mitchell was able to deal with easily.
On 29 minutes, the Jags made their first real attack on goal, forcing Ayr keeper Josh Clarke into a good save from Brian Graham, after the captain got his head to a cross from Aidan Fitzpatrick.
Not long after, there are big shouts from the home fans for a penalty after Robbie Crawford went down under serious pressure from Lenny Agbaire. The referee had other ideas though, waving play on.
Thistle looked the brighter of the two going into half time. Graham had a good opportunity, heading wide from a free kick, before being unfortunate as he went into the book for a high boot. It was Thistle’s fifth yellow card in a half where the referee dictated the flow of play throughout.
Half Time – Partick Thistle 0 Ayr United 0
After the break, the Jags were still to find their groove. A piece of play saw the ball make its way towards Bannigan, but he was unable to get himself onto it, as the chance passed.
Ayr, however, were waiting to pounce on the counter, with Rus launching a cross into the box, which failed to find anyone.
On 54 minutes, though, Ayr opened the scoring in the tie. Connor McLennan laid a fine cross into the Thistle box, with veteran forward Jamie Murphy darting to the near post to head the ball it in at the far post.
It was nearly 2-0 on 68 minutes when McLennan once again threatened. His shot, however, was sliced wide as Thistle were given a reprieve.
Thistle’s plight grew greater when Aidan Fitzpatrick felt the force of Lenny Agbaire going through the back of him, requiring treatment. Fitzpatrick would be subbed minutes later, unable to continue.
The Jags hadn’t given up hope though, and with the Red and Yellow Army still giving them a loud vocal support, they started to knock at the door.
Some exquisite play from Terry Ablade saw him feed the ball to Lawless on the right. Lawless jinked himself out of the Ayr defence’s grasp, but his cut back is cleared from danger.
Despite some energetic play from Thistle, and Ablade in particular, Thistle’s efforts to draw level were cut short by the whistle of referee Dickinson, who was oblivious to a challenge at the edge of box where Ablade looked to be clipped twice, and then barged.
These offences all went unpunished before the final whistle blew.
Full Time – Partick Thistle 0 Ayr United 1
The tie is not over yet though, with the Jags travelling to Somerset Park on Friday for the second leg. With a slender one goal deficit, Thistle’s destiny is still in their hands.
Partick Thistle: David Mitchell; Daniel O’Reilly, Luke McBeth, Lee Ashcroft, Kanayo Megwa; Stuart Bannigan, Robbie Crawford (Terry Ablade 61’), Kyle Turner, Aidan Fitzpatrick (Ben Stanway 84’), Stevie Lawless; Brian Graham
Unused Substitutes: Lewis Budinauckas (GK), Luis Cameron (GK), Zander MacKenzie, Matthew Falconer, Nick Lockhart
Ayr United: Josh Clarke; Nick McAllister (Dylan Watret 10’), Lenny Agbaire, Scott McMann; Mark McKenzie, Ben Dempsey, Marco Rus (Ethan Walker 71’), Patrick Reading, Connor McLennan, Jamie Murphy (Jay Henderson 76’); George Oakley (Curtis Main 77’)
Unused Substitutes: Robbie Mutch (GK), Jake Hastie
Referee: David Dickinson
Attendance: 5,250
By David Forrest
50/ 50 Draw winners
First Prize – £595 – Ticket No. 248624
Second Prize – Chance to take part in Crossbar Challenge – Ticket No. 248069
