PARTICK THISTLE 2 Erskine (6) Lindsay (78) QUEEN’S PARK 0
PARTICK THISTLE duly completed the group stages with a perfect record of four straight wins to leave manager Alan Archibald satisfied rather than ecstatic.
The Jags were pushed all the way in Glasgow’s “other derby” but ultimately their class and full-time fitness told and Archibald said: “I’m happy with the result but I thought it was a bit slow at first and a bit like a pre-season game.
“But overall the players have done what we asked them and we’re seeded for the next round which is important.
“The players have enjoyed the new format and we’ve been fortunate because we’ve had good crowds at all our games.”
Thistle survived an early scare when the Spiders carved out an excellent chance following a swift break down the right.
Ross Millen’s cross was perfectly measured for Aiden Malone whose header was brilliantly parried by Tomas Cerny at point-blank range.
And the Jags cashed in on the let-off by racing upfield to take the lead through a looping Chris Erskine header.
They almost doubled their lead when wingback Gordon jinked inside his marker before curling a left-foot shot just wide of the far post before an Erskine shot was deflected for a corner as the Firhill men began to dominate.
However, Queen’s Park were quick to attack at every opportunity and they threatened for a second time when Darren Miller’s free kick was glanced goalward by Adam Cummins who was only denied by another athletic save from Cerny.
Thistle continued to dominate possession without finding a cutting edge to some intricate
build-up and instead Cerny was forced into action again following an enterprising run and shot from Josh Watt.
At the other end Kris Doolan showed excellent control to gather Liam Lindsay’s long pass before seeing his rising shot tipped over by Murphy.
Thistle produced the move of the match early in the second half when Erskine released substitute David Amoo whose pinpoint cross was headed inches wide by David Wilson.
Amoo and Erskine then saw efforts deflected behind as the Maryhill men searched for a second clinching goal and it came when Erskine’s corner found Liam Lindsay rising above the visiting defence to head home.
Finally Partick could breathe a little easier.