POPLATNIK POPS UP TO KEEP RAITH IN THE MIX

JOHN McGLYNN savoured late heroics at both ends of the pitch as Raith prevented Partick from clinching a play-off place.

Matej Poplatnik turned home Aidan Connolly’s cross in the 90th minute.

Then Kyle Benedictus produced a breath-taking tackle in front of goal to deny Brian Graham an equaliser.

Those dramas stole a vital win for Rovers who move to within three points of fourth with two games each left.

McGlynn said: ‘Kyle’s tackle at the end is incredible, amazing. Matej scores the goal at the other end but you could say that’s what won us the game because Brian was picking his spot.

‘I’m delighted with the effort, commitment and hunger — all the ugly stuff you’ve got to do to win this type of game.’

On a bobbly surface, Ben Williamson went close twice for Raith in the first half and Jamie MacDonald denied Thistle striker Graham’s bid to end a nine-match drought.

In the second half, Jamie Sneddon’s superb fingertip stop from a Reghan Tumilty drive saved Jags. And Raith were relieved when sub Juan Alegria blasted a brilliant chance for a winner wide.

Poplatnik tucked home his sixth goal in seven games to keep Rovers’ promotion bid alive.

They travel to Hamilton next, hoping to win while praying Fife rivals Dunfermline do them a favour at Firhill.

Thistle failed to score at home for a third game in a row. Ian McCall said: ‘Maybe I was guilty of trying to go for third, pushing people on to try and win when 0-0 would probably have done us.’