Match Report
After victory at Dens Park midweek Ian McCall still elected to make three changes for the fixture with Ross County. A now fit David Rowson came in for Scott Chaplain while, as he had done so against Dundee, the manager freshened up the striking positions with Steven Lennon and Simon Donnelly starting this game up front.
Thistle were nearly in front after 6 minutes. Gary Harkins threaded the ball through to Steven Lennon with Lennon, still looking for his first Thistle goal, denied by Bullock who was sharp off his line to make a blocking save.
It was County though that took the lead the very next minute. A free kick from the County right was swung across goal to the back post where Steven Craig headed home from close range.
As Thistle looked a little uncertain at the back Steven Craig was only denied an opportunity for a second goal by a John Robertson tackle that left no margin for error at all.
It took Thistle some time to settle after losing the game's opening goal but in the 21st minute there were the first signs that Thistle were starting to find form again. Marc Twaddle caused the County defence all kind of problems before being hauled to the ground. When the free kick that followed wasn't effectively cleared Simon Donnelly sent a shot from the edge of the box wide of goal.
Thistle should have been level in the 27th minute. An Ian Maxwell cross was able to pick out Gary Harkins but Harkins' header was too high and the chance was lost.
A second County goal was have made things, difficult already, even harder and Steven Craig very nearly scored that second goal. Jonny Tuffey having to be at his very best to touch Craig's header on to the post.
County again came close in the 34th minute. Richard Hart saw his effort blocked but only as far as David Winters whose effort was blocked at the expense of a corner.
The Thistle cuase wasn't helped any in the 44th minute when John Robertson was sent off. Robertson and County's Steven Craig got in a tangle and although referee Smith initially gave the free kick Thistle's way after consulting with his assistant he sent Robertson off and awarded the free kick the other way. Robertson's furious reaction telling its' own story. As did the reaction of the Thistle fans when the half-time whistle sounded a short time later.
Thistle made two changes at the break. Chaplain and Willie Kinniburgh were sent on in place of Simon Storey and Ryan McStay.
Although a man short Thistle came close to an equaliser in the 52nd minute. Gary Harkins cut inside and his low drive had Bullock scrambling with the ball cleared for a corner when he couldn't hold Harkins' shot.
At the other end Paul Lawson saw a shot drift wide of Jonny Tuffey's left hand post.
Thistle made their final change in the 63rd minute with Damon Gray introduced for Steven Lennon.
With the man advantage County were adept at keeping the ball and Thistle were struggling to make an impression on a well organised County defence. Damon Gray was able to get his head to a Paton cross but Bullock was left with an easy save to make.
Although they were content to sit on their lead County were still a threat when they came forward and when they sliced open the Thistle defence Ian Maxwell was some how able to clear a Richard Brittian effort off the line.
For Thistle Gary Harkins was carrying the greatest threat and Bullock was forced into making a fine save at his near post after Harkins had cut in from the left hand side.
It was looking less and less likely that Thistle were going to find an equaliser although Marc Twaddle was able to get his head to a Simon Donnelly free kick only for the ball to clear the bar.
Thistle's hopes were raised in the 86th minute when Gary Harkins was fouled 20 yards from goal. Harkins took the free kick himself but his effort was too high.
