Match Report
After expressing his delight and surprise at having full squad to select from for this match Queen of the South the late withdrawal of the unwell Stephen McKeown denied the manager of that rare, almost unique, luxury.
There was, however, plenty to interest the Thistle fans McCall's team selection even though there was just one change from the side that started against Forfar on Tuesday night. Ian Maxwell, rested midweek, returning to the team with Patrick Boyle dropping out of the sixteen altogether.
In bright sunshine and on an immaculate Palmerston surface Thistle were the first of the two teams to threaten the opposition goal. An early corner was won before David Rowson was able to direct a shot from 20 yards out on target although Roy was left with just a routine save to make.
Thistle continued to look the more enterprising team in the game's opening scrimishes and in the 7th minute it took good defending from Robert Harris to snuff out any danger as Kris Doolan attempted to latch onto a Jim Hamilton through ball.
Midway through the first half we nearly had what would have been a controversial opening goal. The ball appeared to have crossed the goal line for a Queen of the South goal kick but when no flag followed Rowson crossed for Hamilton but Roy was well placed to save his header.
He produced a better save two minutes later. Paul Cairney set Mark Corcoran clear and Corcoran was only denied what would have been his first Thistle goal by a fine save by the home keeper.
Thistle had been the better side up to this point but in their first serious raid on the Thistle goal Queen of the South nearly took a 27th minute lead. Robert Harris' driven cross was flicked goalwards by Stewart Kean with his effort striking the frame of the Thistle goal.
With half-time just a couple of minutes away Queens really should have taken the lead. The Thistle back line had been fairly solid up to this point but a quick incisive passing move from the home side presented Steven Tosh with a gilt edged chance to opening the scoring but from no more than 10 yards out and with just Tuffey to beat he sent his shot high over the bar.
Thistle made a change at half-time with Chris Erskine coming on in place of Mark Corcoran.
Despite that change it was Queens that had the first chance of the second half. Robert Harris looked set to score only for Tuffey to be sharp off his line and save from point blank range.
Ten minutes after the restart Ian McCall introduced his second substitute to the action with Liam Buchanan replacing Jim Hamilton.
This game was having the look of one in which one goal would be hugely significant and in the 62nd Queens were close to opening the scoring. Harris was able to push the ball into the path of Derek Holmes but Tuffey was able to get down and save at his near post.
Thistle were able to threaten a goal in the very next minute. David Rowson seeing a shot from the edge of the box tipped over the bar by Roy for a Thistle corner. That corner dropped to Kris Doolan but Roy was again able to save.
There was much more purpose to Queens attacks in the second half and in the 69th minute there were loud appeals for a Queens penalty but David Rowson's challenge on Robert Harris looked to be perfectly timed.
With twelve minutes remaining Thistle were close to scoring but Roy again impressed. Simon Donnelly knocked the ball through to Paul Cairney but Roy was quickly off his line and was able to block, at close range, Cairney's effort.
In the 83rd minute Queens took what had the look of decisive lead. Derek Holmes did well to set up Weatherston but Weatherston still had much to do before finishing cooling, tucking the ball past Tuffey and into the back of the net.
In a game were the first always going to be decisive there was no way back for Thistle after that.
