Monday 15th May, 2023 at 2:54pm
On Friday night, Brian Graham opened the scoring in the team’s 4-0 win over Queen’s Park which ensured safe passage into the cinch Premiership play-off semi-finals.
That goal was not only of immense importance in the context of the quarter-final tie but also of huge personal significance to Thistle’s number nine as it was his 50th for the club in all competitions.
Brian becomes just the third player to hit 50 goals in the 21st century for the Jags joining club Hall of Famers Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan in doing so.
We’re going to take this opportunity to have a look at the specifics of the frontman’s half-century and see exactly how he’s done it.
GOALS PER SEASON
Signed in January 2020 from Ross County, Brian made a good start in front of goal as a Jag before the season was cut short by the Coronavirus pandemic.
He came back for the following campaign in fine form, firing in 11 league goals to help Thistle achieve an immediate return to the second tier.
In the two seasons since, he’s managed a combined 36 goals in all competitions finishing as one of the Championship’s top three goalscorers in each.
HOW HE’S SCORED THEM
The striker has shown an ability to score a variety of goals across his time in red and yellow but the stats tell us it’s his trusty right foot that has found the net the most.
That being said, his 14 headers are evidence of his aerial threat which has proved valuable to the team on many occasions.
WHO SET HIM UP
Football is a team game and Brian couldn’t have done it without the help of some of his teammates.
Kyle Turner is the 35-year-old’s most regular supplier, setting him up seven times with Scott Tiffoney and Joe Cardle rounding out the top three.
HOW QUICKLY HE DID IT
Reaching 50 goals is a fantastic achievement but to do it in 114 games is even more impressive.
That makes Brian the fifth fastest Jag to 50 goals post-World War 2 behind Alex Stott, Jimmy Walker, Mo Johnston and Jimmy Bone.
Graham has hit the half-century two games quicker than Dougie Somner, 22 games quicker than current Jags boss Kris Doolan and 47 games quicker than Denis McQuade to name but a few of the Thistle icons he’s outpaced.
WHERE HE SCORED THEM FROM
A look at Brian’s goal map for Thistle gives you an idea of the type of striker he is – a deadly finisher who finds spaces around the opposition goalmouth.
That being said, he’s not averse to the odd long-range stunner such as his sumptuous chip against East Fife or his right-footed rocket in our title decider against Falkirk.
Brian Graham will be back on the pitch looking to add to his tally on Friday night as we host Ayr United in the first leg of the cinch Premiership play-off semi-finals. Tickets for both legs of the tie can be bought now – click here to find out more.
