Fife Thistle 0-1 Rosyth

Thistle had two debutants with youngster Taylor Baldie making his first competitive appearance after an impressive pre season alongside the experienced Jamie Mackie who slotted into the centre of defence.

Thistle started brightly and some neat combination play between Allan and Ireland created an opening for Barnes but the marksman saw his effort shave the wrong side of the upright.

Barnes turned creator shortly after as he played through Baldie but a terrific block from defender McPherson denied the midfielder as he shaped to shoot.

Thistle were not having it all their own way and only a great save from Sullivan denied Harkin who had got in behind the home defence.

However it was the Balmullo side who were dictating play, although they were finding the Rosyth defence and keeper in top form.

Again keeper Hampson produced a great stop when Ireland and Allan again combined to good effect before the latter saw his effort blocked by the Rosyth goalkeeper.

Thistle were made to pay for passing up their multiple opportunities deep into stoppage time when a Rosyth corner fell to the feet of Higgins whose shot through a ruck of players found the back of the net to give the visitors the full points, leaving the home side feeling like they had been mugged.

All in all there was many a positive in the Thistle performance but with a rare off day in front of goal.

LM Joinery Man of the Match – Sean Allan (sponsored by Kevin O’Hara Joinery)

Thistle – Stuart Sullivan, Scott Walker (John Provan 55), Jamie Mackie, Fraser Spence, Lewis McLuckie, Kris Ireland, Liam Carson (Capt.), Daniel Mason (Lee Munro 66), Sean Allan, Taylor Baldie (Jamie Malone 47), Ronnie Barnes (Greig Barrie 81)

Sub not used – Sam Walker.

On Saturday Thistle travel to face Glenrothes in the league with a 2pm kick off at Milton of Balgonie.