Bowman goal leaves Jags in danger zone

PARTICK THISTLE 0 MOTHERWELL 1

Ryan Bowman’s header pushed Partick closer to the drop as they slumped to a home defeat by Motherwell.

The striker was afforded space to head home David Turnbull’s free-kick from six yards on the hour mark and all but consign Thistle to a bottom-two finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Alan Archibald’s side are three points behind Hamilton with a game left but Accies are 13 goals better off.

The only bright spot of the night for the hosts was Ross County’s defeat by Dundee, which leaves the Dingwall side bottom by two points.

Thistle travel to Dundee on Saturday where they might need victory to avoid automatic relegation given their goal difference is nine worse than the Staggies, who face St Johnstone in Perth.

Motherwell were without Richard Tait through illness and 18-year-old midfielder Turnbull was handed a first start, but the William Hill Scottish Cup finalists were otherwise at full strength and eager to atone for a 5-1 home defeat by St Johnstone.

Thistle started with intent and Conor Sammon flashed a header across the face of goal inside 60 seconds before Trevor Carson saved Ryan Edwards’ header.

Motherwell forced a series of corners before the hosts picked up again and Carson made saves from Martin Woods and Chris Erskine.

Turnbull came close with a deflected strike after beating two men but the home fans were lifted by news of a Dundee goal and Sammon shot just wide from 18 yards after a good run by Doolan.

However, Well took the lead after Baily Cargill was adjudged to have fouled Chris Cadden. Turnbull whipped in the free-kick from the right and the unmarked Bowman headed home.

Thistle struggled to create clear openings with substitute Blair Spittal heading straight at Carson and Tom Aldred made a crucial last-ditch tackle on Sammon. Attendance – 3,320 Partick Thistle – Cerny, McGinn, Devine, Cargill, Elliott, Erskine (Storey 69), Barton (Spittal 81), Woods, Edwards, Doolan (Lawless 69), Sammon. Subs not used: Dumbuya , Osman, Scully, Penrice.

Motherwell – Carson, Kipre, Aldred, Dunne, Cadden, Turnbull (Ciftci 82), McHugh, Campbell, Hendrie (Bigirimana 45), Main (Frear 63), Bowman. Subs not used – Griffiths, Petravicius, MacLean, Maguire.

Referee – Bobby Madden.

Picture: SNS Group. Ryan Bowman heads in Well’s winner.