PARTICK THISTLE 2 Doolan (pen, 18), Spittal (37) ALLOA ATHLETIC 2 Cawley (23), Zanatta (57)

Alloa twice came from behind to deny Thistle back-to-back wins and earn a share of the spoils after an entertaining clash at Firhill.

Despite the treacherous conditions, the sides endeavoured to play football, although they cancelled each other out in the end to the frustration of home boss Gary Caldwell.

The Jags manager said: “It wasn’t the worst day, but it wasn’t the best either.

“The system we started with requires a good surface to play so we had to change and go two up top.

“It meant we had to go more direct which isn’t what we want to do but the conditions weren’t great.”

Thistle broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Christie Elliot’s clever footwork forced a clumsy challenge inside the box from Jake Hastie with referee Andrew Newlands having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

The resulting penalty was converted by the reliable left foot of Kris Doolan who sent Neil Parry the wrong way with his effort clipping the inside of the post.

However, the Wasps hit back following an incredible solo run from Alan Trouten who then crossed for Kevin Cawley to tap in from six yards to give his side a deserved equaliser.

The topsy-turvy encounter took another twist before the break when Blair Spittal restored Thistle’s lead with a rasping half-volley that thundered past Parry after the ex-Dundee United midfielder had seen his free-kick blocked and rattled it in from 25 yards.

Alloa refused to buckle and they hit back for a second time 12 minutes after the restart when Dario Zannatta drilled in from 25 yards.

There were chances at either end in the closing stages but neither side could add to the scoring.

Caldwell added: “Spittal showed that if you can show a bit of bravery in possession then things can go your way. He was the one shining light.”

Alloa counterpart Jim Goodwin said: “Prior to the game we fancied ourselves if we played our game and got at them. There’s nothing in the game until the penalty. It looks relatively soft.

“I would’ve been delighted with a point at half time but I think we played the better football on the day.”