STENHOUSEMUIR 1
Yates (62) PARTICK THISTLE 2 Turner (53), Graham (75)
The score was the same as the previous meeting between the clubs last year, with Partick winning 2-1.
Stenhousemuir manager Stephen Swift, who was sent off to the puzzlement of many, explained the decision and his views on the game.
With regards to the sending-off, he was told by referee Calum Scott that it was a mandatory red card for holding on to the ball when it was an opposition throw.
Swift thought that it was a Warriors ball, though, and that was why he hadn’t released the ball quickly.
With regards to the game itself, while not wanting to take too many positives from a defeat, he felt happier than last season.
He said: “There was more of a robustness in the team and we will try to remedy the negatives as we really need to tighten up.
“It was great to get back to crowds and a new pitch.”
Jags boss Ian Mccall also took positives out of the game, commenting: “There was a lot of good stuff played, it was great to play on a day like this. The heat will be great for the fitness, though the pitch was sticky.
“Stenhousemuir look good, they were well organised and I think they will have a good season.
“It’s always good to get a win. These games are all about getting fit and sharpness and, more importantly, winning. Loads of pleasing stuff, but it’s still very early.”
The goals came during the second half, with Kyle Turner getting the best of the home defence before tucking the ball home in 53 minutes.
The visitors then came close on a couple of occasions, but the goal came at the other end when Matty Yates tucked the ball home after Jamie Sneddon could only parry a Nicky Jamieson header into his path.
Partick were to get the second, though, when Darren Brownlie picked out Brian Graham, who powered home a header in the 75th minute.
That goal was a personal achievement for Brownlie, who the manager decribed as the best centre-half in the league. It was Brownlie’s first competitive game for over a year due to injury.