THISTLE had more than enough chances to secure a place in the Premier League.
By not taking them, they’ve given County one last shot at staying on top Flight on Sunday.
6
6
6
At halftime in Firhill it seemed almost certain that Kris Doolan and his players were on the way up.
Jags fans were dreaming as Aidan Fitzpatrick put them ahead in the 8th minute.
VAR responded to their request for a red card when Dylan Smith knocked out Fitpatrick six minutes later.
And they celebrated again when ex-Staggie Brian Graham scored the second just after the final whistle.
Then there was a chance for them to move on and make Sunday’s second leg meaningless.
But although they called Ross Laidlaw’s goal after the break, they couldn’t add it Murderer Slap, substitute Danny Mullen hits the bar Injury Time.
And that means Malky Mackay’s side hopes for a grand escape are still alive.
Boss Doolan went down with Thistle in the play-offs when they lost to Livingston in 2018.
By this point, the Jags were on a downward spiral and the Lions were taking full advantage.
This time, Thistle had momentum, having lost just one in 17 since taking over as boss.
Now they wanted to be the first championship team to survive three play-off games.
So it was no surprise that he named the same team that defeated Ayr 5-0 last Friday.
Mackay’s Staggies had other ideas when looking to secure themselves Survive on the second try.
Jordan White was cleared to play despite sustaining a head wound rugby park Last weekend..
And Owura Edwards, Jordan Tillson, Victor Loturi and defense attorney Smith all came in.
Firhill was in a tizzy before kick-off as Thistle was sold out home Allocation.
And it was Thistle who had the first chance of the game in the 5th minute.
Steven Lawless came in from the left and fired a low shot on goal.
But Ross Laidlaw saw it coming and was close post turn the ball to the corner.
6
6
The goalkeeper had to turn the resulting corner kick over his own crossbar under sustained pressure.
But Thistle’s confidence grew. They knew they were more than a match for Mackay’s Men.
And they made the first move of the game by taking the lead after just eight minutes.
Fitzpatrick initially defended himself on the edge of the penalty area in front of Victor Loturi and Owura Edwards.
Kenneh tried to grab his shirt before Edwards realized he couldn’t beat him in the box.
So Fitzpatrick went on with no longer a Staggies defender around.
And from 15 meters he circled the ball coolly past Laidlaw into the far corner of the goalkeeper.
It was great hit and immediately placed Doolan’s men in a strong position.
And Fitzpatrick’s next In the 14th minute they ensured the lead of the tie.
The midfielder seemed to prefer getting a through ball before Smith stuck his leg out.
It was a clear free-kick and referee Munro didn’t hesitate to show him a yellow card.
However, he was then urged by VAR referee Andrew Dallas to reconsider the decision.
After reviewing the footage, he concluded that Fitzpatrick had been denied a scoring chance.
Therefore, he reserved his original decision to sign Smith and showed him red instead.
Boss Mackay grabbed Alex Samuel and sent Keith Watson on before the free kick was taken.
Thistle didn’t get it, but County was unsure.
Watson gifted the ball to Fitzpatrick and then tried to stop Graham in time.
And in the 34th minute, Laidlaw did a good job of stopping Graham’s volley from going into goal.
Graham was close again as he fired just over the goal in the 39th minute.
But he made no mistake as he gave Thistle a two-point lead right at half-time.
Lawless executed a quick corner to Kyle Turner, who fired the ball at the near post.
And Graham passed Connor Randall to volley his 21st goal of the season.
Mackay made another change at halftime with Ben Purrington replacing George Harmon.
It made little difference as Kevin Holt was overwhelming early in the second half.
Edwards did well race forward and cross for White, but his attempt was suppressed.
6
Mackay rolled again in the 55th minute and David Cancola replaced Jordan Tillson.
However, Thistle felt they could end that tie before they made their way to Dingwall.
Laidlaw saved a low shot from Scott Tiffoney, then Watson Graham somehow saved.
Randall threw himself at Tiffoney’s feet and Laidlaw blocked a Graham header.
On the other hand, Aaron Muirhead equalized those blocks with a goal save one on white.
Fitzpatrick shot over the goal in the 70th minute, another good chance.
But as time ran out, county defenders managed to push through one block after the other.
It seemed enough until injury time when substitute Mullen fired a shot from the edge of the box.
But Laidlaw was there to steer the ball to the crossbar and keep his side’s small hopes of a comeback alive.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers on the Scottish Sun football page