Thistle stay top despite shock draw

Freuchie............................1

Top faced bottom as league leaders Thistlehosted Freuchie who were looking for their first points of the season.

Straight from the off Thistle took the game to Freuchie and with only a couple of minutes on the clock Gorgon struck the upright with a header from a Shepherd free kick.

It was becoming a sense of de ja vu for Thistle who two weeks previously had passed up a number of chances in front of goal as they drew 1-1 with Rosebank in a match they should have won.

Thistle finally made the breakthrough five minutes into the second half when a half clearance from the Freuchie defence was met by Barnes who rifled an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 22 yards.

Thistle’s lead was to last just 55 seconds as Freuchie equalised with their first shot on target when the home side switched off defensively allowing Sutherland to slam home.

The equaliser failed to disrupt the flow of the game with Thistle still in control but struggling to find the net as Barnes, Ireland, Shepherd and Harrow all passed up good opportunities.

Deep into stoppage time it looked as though Gorgon was going to grab the winner when he got on the end of a Shepherd ball but the keeper managed to get the slightest of touches to turn the ball onto the post.

Despite failing to take full points Thistle retained their position at the summit with second placed FC Bayside losing to St Monans Swallows.

Alba Mortgage Solutions man of the match – Kris Ireland.

Thistle – Henderson, Ireland, Gorgon, Carson, McShane, Shepherd, McArthur (Capt.), Foulkes (Ross 82), Harrow, Barnes, Petrie (Jukes 57).

Subs – Wishart, G Kirk, Addison.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Thistle play hosts to Burntisland United in the league with a 2pm kick off at Balmullo.