This evening saw the Scottish Premiership play-off quarter-final come to a conclusion, with Partick Thistle taking on Airdrieonians at home ground in the 2nd leg. After a 1st leg 2-2 draw at Excelsior Stadium, Thistle managed to grab a 2nd leg 2-1 win. The win took the Glaswegians to the semis and have kept the club’s Scottish Premiership promotion hopes alive.
Thistle took the advantage in the opening stages, with a goal by Brian Graham in the 18th minute. Thistle’s striker saw the ball appear in front of his feet, while being determined to be just onside, and hit the back of the net from close range.
Even though Airdrie took most of the possession during the first half, the North Lanarkshire side failed to translate its ball dominance into a clear cut chance or goal. Half time saw Thistle take a break at 1-0.
The second half saw Partick Thistle widen the gap with Airdrie within two minutes after the restart. Scott Robinson was able to get past his man via a quick dribble with the ball and get it in front of goal. It allowed star striker Brian Graham to flick it in the net from close range, taking his and Thistle’s tally of the evening to 2-0.
In the 55th minute Arron Lyall found a way back into the contest for Airdrie, after being at the end of a cross into the box by Lewis McGregor. With a shot on target from inside the box Arron Lyall lessened the difference to 2-1.
Thistle withstood Airdrie’s pressure for the equalizer. Both ends of the pitch saw several half chances and blocked shots.
A change in tactics from Airdrie, taking off a defender and bringing on an extra attacker, allowed Airdrie to increase its forward pressure in the final quarter of the game. The pressure built up to a corner from Airdrie in the 88th minute, which resulted in dangerous rebound shot against Thistle’s bar. It was the biggest and final chance from Airdrie in the second half.
The win 2-1 win sees Partick Thistle move on to the Scottish Premiership play-off semi final. It will be facing 2nd placed Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers on Tuesday. The Scottish Premiership play-off semi final 2nd leg is subsequently set for Friday. Both semi final matches will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland from 7:30 PM, with kick off scheduled for 7:45 PM.
