Match Report
Thistle had this game won with a strong first half performance full of good pace, movement, passing and two good goals. Ayr came back in the second half with a late consolation but Thistle came through fairly comfortably.
Although the team featured a number of changes from the original squad, including a Trialist at No. 9, Thistle were quickly into their stride in a flexible 4-4-2. McKinlay & Storey were soon combining down the left, Rowson had the midfield fully under his control, Paton and Ardalany were making good runs down the right and Roberts was working well off the shoulder of the mobile No9.
Thistles first goal on 12 minutes was a peach. The Trialist out-jumped the Ayr defence to knock down a Rowson ball. Roberts controlled the ball beautifully before knocking the ball home sweetly from 15 yds. Thistle dominance grew from there with the good midfield and forward play supported by solid defending. Nothing much was getting past the back 4 with Robertson in particular looking steadfast. In the next 10 minutes or so Thistle had good efforts from Storey, the Trialist and Roberts all shooting at goal. Twaddle had a powerful free kick saved.
It was no surprise when Thistle scored again on 25 mins with a well worked effort. Roberts found Paton on the right from a nice McStay ball. Paton’s cross was headed in off the post by the high rising McKinlay.
A minute later McKinlay was appealing for a penalty as he seemed to be pulled down in the box, but the ref waved play on. Storey and the Trialist then had good efforts saved. Rowson was next to have a go, shooting wide after good interplay between Ardalany and the Trialist. Roberts had the last effort of the first half firing over. For their part Ayr’s best chance of the half fell to the dangerous Williams being denied good opportunities by a tight offside after 10mins and then a super double blocking tackle by Robertson on 30 mins.
The second half was a more balanced affair. Ayr improved making a raft of substitutions and some tactical switches. Thistle seemed to relax a little and lost some shape. Thistle, though, had chances to increase their lead. Of the best, Rowson’s charge on goal was halted by a robust keepers challenge, and a tasty Robertson header was cleared off the line by Eddie Forest. A drive by McKeown, who had replaced the tired Trialist on 65 mins, was just wide late on. Ayr’s consolation came on 85 from one of their Trialists after a period of pressure.
Overall a well deserved win for the Jags with strong performances all over the field particularly in the first 45. Thistles Trialist looked to receive good praise from Ian McCall after being subbed. It will be interesting to see if he appears again.
Report by Richard Hanning
