Jags lucky, admits McCall

Partick Thistle 3 Queen of the South 2

IAN McCALL conceded Partick Thistle were fortunate to make a winning return to the Championship in a thrilling Firhill contest.

Brian Graham scored twice and set up the winner for Scott Tiffoney in an engrossing match which saw Queens boss Allan Johnston sent to the stand for stepping on to the pitch when arguing with ref Greg Aitken.

‘Obviously I’m pleased we’ve won our first game but I’m not happy with the performance and we were fortunate,’ said McCall.

Willie Gibson gave Queens the lead with a thunderous strike in 10 minutes after skipping past Ciaran McKenna and Lewis Mayo.

Graham levelled six minutes later with a header from Zak Rudden’s excellent cross, then shot Thistle ahead on the half hour. Ruairi Paton drew the Dumfries side level, nodding home Lee Connelly’s corner in 74 minutes.

However, five minutes from the end Graham’s header set up Tiffoney and the substitute shot home from six yards to delight the Thistle fans who had watched the League One flag being unfurled prior to kick-off.

A bemused Johnston said: ‘Brian Graham pushed our man with two hands and it’s a booking. I complained about that and, as I did so, I must have stepped on the pitch.’