Match Report
There may have been a wintry backdrop to this game but the actual Firhill pitch was in near perfect condition for the visit of Queen of the South. After a fortnight without a game Thistle made just the one change to the side that had started the last fixture against Airdrie United. John Robertson earning a starting slot ahead of Ian Maxwell who dropped on the bench. There was also a place on the bench for a fit again Liam Buchanan.
Thistle were able to threaten the Queen of the South inside the game's opening minute but Paul Paton's long range effort was a long way off target.
Thistle had a half chance in the 4th minute when they were able to catch Queens on the break but Jamie Adams was tackled inside the box and the danger was snuffed out.
The early chances were coming Thistle's way and in the 7th minute David Hutton just managed to punch clear a Paul Paton cross ahead of Steve Lovell.
Three times this season David Weatherston has scored against Thistle and after 18 minutes of this game he had a chance to add to that tally. Willie McLaren set him up but Weatherston's shot was quickly blocked which allowed Tuffey to grab hold of the ball.
In the 20th minute Thistle took the lead. A Stephen McKeown show was blocked by the hand of Queens defender Craig Reid. Simon Donnelly's effort clipped the edge of the wall before breaking into the path of Steve Lovell. Lovell's instinctive effort rattled off the post but just as Queens thought they had earned a reprieve Paul Paton, left with anything but an easy chance, did well to fire into the back of the net.
Thistle were close to extending their advantage in the 25th minute. This time Paul Paton was the creator of the opportunity. His delightful cross from the right hand side being met by the head of Mark Corcoran who was unfortunate to see his header just clear the bar.
On the half hour mark Thistle were again close to a second goal. A Paul Cairney shot from 20 yards being pushed out by David Hutton who had been forced to dive full length to get to the ball. #
In the 36th minute Jonny Tuffey was called upon to make his first save of any note. A McLaren header found Marvin Andrews who forced Jonny Tuffey to tip the ball over the bar.
Thistle went into the dressing room at half time good value for their one goal lead and they were close to increasing that lead just five minutes after the restart. Indeed it would have been hard tob have been any closer. A Paul Cairney shot striking the inside of Hutton's right hand post before bouncing into the waiting arms of the Queens keeper.
The game's next goal, in the 56th minute, though was at the other end. Rocco Quinn was neatly set up and he confidently knocked the ball wide of Jonny Tuffey and into the corner of the net.
Thistle though were back in front just 6 minutes later. Mark Corcoran was hauled to the ground by Craig Reid with referee Mclean having no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. The furious reaction from the Queens players clearly showing what they thought about the decision.
Steve Lovell was the man entrusted with the penalty but his effort was a poor one and Hutton was able to dive to his left to save. Jamie Adams, however, was the first to the loose ball and he shot high into the back of the net.
Having re-established their lead Thistle were close to extending it in the 70th minute. A Donnelly corner was only cleared as far as David Rowson who saw his shot deflected wide of goal.
Thistle were even closer a minute later. Just on a sub Bryan Hodge threaded through a pass to Simon Donnelly whose shot was turned round the post for a corner. From the corner that followed John Robertson saw his header cleared off the line.
Robertson was swiftly in action at the other end. After coming a long way from goal Jonny Tuffey's clearance was seized upon by Derek Holmes who saw his shot from 40 yards headed off the line.
Queens did have a second equaliser in the 79th minute. John Robertson headed clear a corner but when the ball was returned into the box Harris was on hand to shoot low into the corner of the net.
After having dominated so much of the game Thistle were nearly behind in the 82nd minute. Jonny Tuffey getting a touch to driven shot from Marvin Andrews.
Neither side though were able to find a late winner with the real winners probably Dundee.
