Thistle serve up some stink before late fightback

Thistle made the trip to Milton of Balgonie to face Glenrothes but ended up putting in a performance that would have served as perfect fertiliser for the surrounding fields.

On the quarter hour mark the home side took the lead when Phipps slipped in behind the sluggish defence and slot with ease past a stagnant Sullivan.

They increased their lead with one to forgot for Thistle keeper Sullivan who seemed to lose his bearings allowing Neil an easy finish.

Thistle made three changes at the break to try and turn things around with James Bell, Sam Walker and Michael Badu replacing Jamie Malone, Scott Walker and Lewis McLuckie but this failed to prevent Glenrothes making it 3-0 through James.

McVey grabbed his side’s fourth goal with Thistle looking like they had downed tools.

The introduction of veteran Greig Barrie seemed to give Thistle a bit of a lift and just three minutes after his introduction he earned his side a penalty which he netted himself.

There was more spot kick joy for Thistle in the 73rd minute with this time Barnes winning the award and opening his account for the season with a well executed spot kick.

Just as though it looked like Thistle were going to give themselves a chance Glens netted again through Paterson.

Ireland grabbed a consolation goal to at least end a miserable afternoon on a high.

Man of the match – Kris Ireland (sponsored by JT & S Electrical.

Thistle: Sullivan, Walker (Badu 46), Mackie (Munro 62), Spence, McLuckie (Bell 46), Malone (Walker 46), Carson, Rintoul (Barrie 62), Mason, Ireland, Barnes.

On Saturday Thistle play host to Rosebank in the league with a 2pm kick off at Balmullo.