Partick made to battle hard as Airdrie give keeper Cerny a busy night

AIRDRIE

Cairns 54

PARTICK THISTLE

Doolan 9, Spittal 40

1

Partick Thistle failed to hit the heights of their weekend drubbing of St Mirren but eventually prevailed against a dogged Diamonds outfit. The Jags started brightly and Ryan Edwards saw one shot saved by Rohan Ferguson before Blair Spittal’s excellent pass released Chris Erskine, who unselfishly provided Kris Doolan with a tap-in.

Partick almost doubled their lead when Callum Booth’s cross picked out Erskine whose header rattled a post.

Airdrie showed their attacking intent when Ryan Conroy forced a save from Tomas Cernywithalong-rangeeffort.

Steven Lawless and Booth saw efforts blocked as Thistle almost doubled their lead but Airdrie’s defence was resolute.

A solo effort from Andy Ryan followed by a Conroy free kick kept Cerny on his toes.

The Jags keeper appeared to be beaten on 32 minutes when Cammy Russell met Kieran Macdonald’s cross with a header that rebounded from the bar.

Thistle responded with a one-touch move that culminated with Doolan’s netbound drive being tipped over.

But Ferguson was beaten for a second time before the break when he could only parry Erskine’s shot and Spittal followed up.

Airdrie gave themselves a lifeline on the restart when Dean Cairns found space to head Conroy’s corner powerfully beyond Cerny.

Spittal sent a 25-yard free kick just over as the Jags sought to re-establish the two-goal cushion and the Partick player went even closer soon after when his effort was pushed away by the diving Ferguson.

Airdrie almost drew level when Cerny was forced into action to save Ryan’s 20-yard shot. The Jags keeper was in action again to prevent Ryan from getting on the end of Murray Louden’s cross.

Cairns almost sent the match to penalties with a header but Cerny saved.