Agony again after late goal denies East Fife

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East Fife were hit by an injury-time sucker punch for the second game in a row as Thistle rescued a dramatic late point.

Two first-half goals gave the home side a cushion only for a secondhalf counter to set up a grandstand finish.

It looked as if the Fifers would cling on for the win only to concede with virtually the last kick of the game.

Both sides started well and had early sights of goal. Thistle’s Scott Tiffoney had his drive blocked before Cole McKinnon crashed his into the side netting.

East Fife didn’t have to wait much longer for the opening goal, however, racing into the lead on 14 minutes. A quick freekick deceived the Thistle defence and was gathered by Ryan Wallace.

The striker looked to nick the ball beyond Mouhamed Niang but the defender blocked it with his hand. It was a clear penalty which Wallace netted.

The home side quickly added to their lead. A long clearance was picked up by Kevin Smith who controlled it brilliantly on his chest before rifling a sublime shot beyond Jamie Sneddon.

They should have gone further in front when Danny Denholm blew a chance to make it 3-0 after Wallace squared for him a couple of yards out, only for the winger to send his shot high over the bar.

Thistle boss Ian McCall made three changes at the break and Zak Rudden should have pulled a goal back but fluffed his shot.

A goal was coming for the visitors and arrived with just under 20 minutes to go when Joe Cardle’s cross was nodded home by Brian Graham.

Thistle swamped the East Fife half as they pressed for an equaliser. It duly arrived in stoppage time when Tiffoney turned in a Cardle cross.