Ruthless Thistle stay in the title hunt

Fife Thistle.........................1

Thistle travelled to Glenrothes looking to stretch their unbeaten run and make it five wins on the bounce as they faced a strong looking Strollers side.

Laurie looked like he was set to score after a good through ball from Peggie, but Carson pulled off a terrific last ditch tackle to deny the striker.

Strollers keeper Clements pulled off a great stop to deny Ireland after Brown had cut open the home defence with a great ball, but play was swinging from end to end and just a minute later Thistle again had the woodwork to thank as Allan struck the crossbar with a rasping effort.

With 66 minutes gone Thistle finally got themselves in front when the tenacity of Shepherd allowed Jukes to take possession and he drove into the box before slotting the ball under Clements from the angle.

Ireland should have doubled Thistle’s lead minutes later when McLaren sent him in on goal, but his effort was too close to the keeper who made a good stop.

Thistle introduce Cameron and his persistence created the next opening when he forced Bruce into a hurried clearance which was collected by Jukes before he picked out Ireland, but the youngster blasted over.

Thistle held firm and closed the gap on the league leaders to two points with four games in hand.

Alba Mortgage Solutions man of the match – Gavin Henderson.

Thistle – Henderson, Ireland, Brown, Ross, Carson, Shepherd (Cameron 85), Gorgon (Band 57), McLaren, McArthur (Capt.), Jukes, Petrie (Moir 57)

Subs – C. Murray, Gordon

Tomorrow (Saturday) Thistle travel to face Freuchie in the league with a 2pm kick off and then on Tuesday night they face St Andrews Amateurs at Balmullo with a 6.30pm kick off.

This game may be switched to the Wednesday night. Check www.fifethistle.co.uk for updates.