Survival in sight for Jags as Gordon strike takes Firhill men up to sixth place

and bottom club Falkirk with only two games left.

Shea Gordon’s stunning finish could well prove priceless at the end of the season, but manager Gary Caldwell will know it is not quite job done with five teams separated by only five points.

For Ayr United, who had already sealed their place in the promotion play-offs, it was a third straight defeat in a worrying form slump which has brought only one victory in their last six games.

After a minute’s silence for Lisbon Lion Billy Mcneill was impeccably observed, Ayr were quickly on the attack and Michael Moffat was inventive when he tried a backheel to meet a cross from Nicky Cadden but there was no reward.

Thistle, roared on by 1,066 supporters, many of whom travelled on free buses laid on by the club, such was the importance of the fixture, took eight minutes to carve out their first opportunity. Gordon charged into the box but his parting effort let him down as he skied the ball high over the bar.

However, the on-loan Motherwell striker had better fortune when he gave Partick the lead after 17 minutes. Scott Mcdonald and Ross Doohan collided as both tried to get on the end of a searching cross and when the ball spun free it ran only as far as Gordon who swerved a rising half-volley into the top corner.

Mcdonald made way for Kris Doolan who was making a nostalgic 400th appearance.

Following the interval Ayr had Doohan to thank for preventing them falling further adrift. Doolan played in Gordon with a clever pass but Doohan, the 21-year-old on-loan Celtic goalkeeper, responded with a majestic save before defying Joe Cardle moments later.

Calvin Miller drove an inviting ball across the face of goal as Ayr tried for a rousing finish while Thistle always carried menace on the break with Blair Spittal going close with a fierce shot that Doohan was relieved to see fly just wide.

Thistle ran down the clock and now will hope to rubber stamp their Championship status when these same teams meet in the second instalment at Firhill on Saturday.