Partick thistle 1 O’Ware 66 og airdrie 0

A scrappy goal, ultimately credited to Thomas O’Ware, left Thistle boss Gary Caldwell satisfied, if not overjoyed, after their first competitive game of the season.

Caldwell said: “While it wasn’t perfect, we were always the team on the front foot. Second half we upped the tempo and kept knocking on the door. Once we got the goal, we were fairly comfortable.”

Caldwell still has plans to strengthen the Thistle squad.

He added: “We are working hard on it but it has to be the right player with the right character. We have a couple identified.”

The Jags boss also deflected talk of the projected Thistle takeover, saying: “That is for the board, I control the football side and win games.”

As for the game, as half-time approached both sets of supporters were finally roused. Airdrie’s Craig Thomson wassetfreeandbroke into the home box, only to shoot over the bar.

Two minutes later, at the other end, a powerful shot from outside the box by Thistle’s Joe Cardle required two grabs before David Hutton had it under control.

Thistle made a strong re-start with Hutton called upon to make three top saves, dealing with two shots from Sean McGinty and one from Rangers loanee Cammy Palmer, who came on at half-time.

Corner after corner finally brought the break-through when a low delivery from James Penrice into a crowded six-yard box produced a goal credited to O’Ware, with Airdrie’s Sean Crighton also in close attendance.

Airdrie’s only chance of the second half was a clever chip by sub Euan O’Reilly that landed on top of the home crossbar.

Airdrie manager Ian Murray wasn’t downhearted with the outcome.

“I saw a lot of encouraging signs,” he remarked.

“You are always disappointed to lose a goal from a corner, which isn’t like us, particularly a scrappy one like that.

“Iwasverymuch encouraged by our attacking play in the first half.

“Thistle didn’t cut us open much but, when theygetthatmany opportunities to deliver at dead-ball, they are going to take a chance eventually.”