In a match full of turning points and talking points Motherwell survived poor finishing, a dubious penalty and the dismissal of boy wonder James McFadden to grab a well-deserved point.
For a long time it looked as though two goals from former Fir Park striker Alex Burns would leave his old club empty-handed but a perfect looping header from defender David Partridge rescued Motherwell with 13 minutes to spare.
Ironically McFadden's afternoon could hardly have begun any better as his cross from a short corner was knocked home by David Clarkson to give Motherwell the lead after only nine minutes.
Clarkson was then involved in the gameÂ’s first major turning point when he headed wide from point-blank range after another McFadden cross had seemed certain to lead to Motherwell's second goal.
Patrick made the most of their lucky escape by drawing level in the 18th minute. A free-kick 25 yards out appeared to offer little threat but Burns proved otherwise with a brilliant effort that flew high into the top corner of the net.
McFadden almost emulated Burns with a spectacular curling free- kick after 22 minutes while Thistle continued to threaten the home goal through Jamie Buchan and substitute Paul Walker.
Having seen the best of McFadden the worst soon followed as a second bookable offence saw him red carded nine minutes before half time.
Motherwell coped well at first and should have retaken the lead when Patrick failed to find the target after Dirk Lehmann's header struck the post.
Almost immediately William Kinniburgh was penalised for a tame tackle on Walker allowing Burns to score from the spot.
With an extra man Patrick should have been home and dry but after Derek Adams had tested goalkeeper Kenny Arthur and the outstanding Lehmann hit the woodwork for the second time Partridge pounced to make it 2-2.