League leaders thumped by Thistle

Methilhill Strollers..........0

Thistle played hosts to league leaders Methilhill knowing that a win was needed to keep their promotion push on track.

Just six minutes into the game Thistle were in front after Turner was woefully short with a headed pass back to his keeper and Petrie was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

Thistle were dominating a majority of the play and only a fine save from Patterson kept them from increasing their lead.

Thistle deservedly increased their advantage after 26 minutes through an unlikely source when a long kick from keeper Henderson bounced in the Strollers box and the sight of Barnes running at them got the keeper and defender into a mix up as the ball rolled into the net.

Shepherd made it 3-0 when he managed to steal possession before rifling into the roof of the net.

The second half saw Methilhill come out with all guns blazing as they threw wave after wave of attack at Thistle.

Thistle all but killed the game off on the 55th minute through top scorer Barnes after he latched onto a Brown throw in before slipping the ball into the bottom corner of the net making it 22 goals in 15 games in his debut season.

Barnes had several chances to increase Thistle’s lead, but Patterson in the Strollers goal was looking sharp and pulled of three good saves in as many minutes.

With 71 minutes gone Thistle substitute Provan made it 5-0 when he volleyed home in style after excellent play from Ireland down the right flank.

There were a few further chances as the clock ticked away with Cameron and Provan coming close, but in the end the Balmullo side were more than happy to stick five past a side who had only conceded nine goals in their previous 11 league games.

Alba Mortgage Solutions Man of the Match – Lee Brown.

Thistle - Henderson, Brown, Gough, Carson (capt.), Cushnie, McArthur (Ross 85), McLaren, Moir (Ireland 65), Shepherd (Provan 70), Barnes (Cameron 81), Petrie (M. Hallam 78).

Tomorrow Thistle play hosts to Lomond Victoria in the Peter Omand Cup.