The last of the pitch protection covers were removed fifteen minutes before the kick off but the bright sunshine which flooded into the ground ensured that the game was in no danger. Bright also described the start we had.
Stevie Hammell started the proceedings with a nice one-two from our first corner in the second minute and his fierce shot was beaten away by Nelson at the South Stand end. McDonald was next with a pop from the edge of the box after a Burns pass.
We had control of the game by the first ten minutes and a wonderful Hammell free kick produced the opener. A long diagonal pass found Lasley on the right wing and as he slipped past his man on the way into the box he was pulled back. While the referee admonished the offender Stevie placed the ball at the corner of the penalty box and his curling shot found the top left corner of the goal. Stevie does not score many but that one will find a special place in his scrap book.
Thistle tried to come back into the game but they rarely threatened. Their cause was not helped by the early departure of Grady. Cadete replaced home but he made no impact on the game. Paul Quinn showed his defensive qualities by producing a couple of difficult defensive headers to send the ball to safety.
Five minutes after the break a high ball over the top of the defence saw McDonald scurrying down the line in front of the East Stand. He made his way into the box and his low chipped cross was met by Clarskon with a diving header from five yards. The keeper was well beaten, we were two up and the game was won.
Terry made a couple of substitutions and MacDonald and Craig were given a run out at the expense of Fagan and McDonald.
The best goal of the game arrived with ten minutes remaining. Clarkson passed square to captain
The we are now two points short of fourth placed
The team deserve a big, big turnout for their efforts of late.