Airdrie United 1-1 Partick Thistle: Airdrie claim improbable point

Scorers: Airdrie United; Boyle (41); Partick Thistle: Erskine (79)

The Diamonds never let their more fancied opponents settle and even led through John Boyle’s first-half effort. However, the Jags were at least value for the draw earned through Chris Erskine’s late equaliser.

That was scant consolation for Thistle boss Jackie McNamara who said: “We knew they would be up for it after what happened in the last game and I didn’t think we started well enough. Our passing was sloppy and although we were OK possession-wise, our final ball had to be better.”

Airdrie were first to enjoy a shot on  target, Liam Watt’s side-footed effort drawing a save from Graeme Smith. Thistle, though, enjoyed long spells of possession even if the final killer pass proved elusive.

This was partly due to the Diamonds’ dogged defending which continued to frustrate the Jags, whose first effort on goal came inadvertently, Aaron Muirhead’s intended cross rebounding from the crossbar. Steven Craig went close with a couple of headers as Thistle pushed for the breakthrough but the deadlock was broken at the other end.

There seemed little danger when Boyle, pictured, took possession 30 yards from goal, but, as the visiting defence backed-off, the striker strode forward and sent an 18-yard shot across Smith and in at the far corner.

Smith averted further damage for the Jags by clawing Willie McLaren’s header behind before the visitors rallied on the restart. Thistle stuck to their task and were eventually rewarded when Muirhead’s cross fell for Erskine who volleyed home emphatically. Liam Watt went close for Airdrie and Alan Archibald for Thistle in a frantic finale.

However, there was no further scoring and McNamara, whose side have been ousted at the summit by Morton, added: “I’d rather be sitting top but there is still a long, long way to go. We need to focus on ourselves and get back to winning matches.”

Airdrie counterpart Jimmy Boyle said: “I went with a very, very young squad today and I thought they were excellent.”