PARTICK Thistle have waited nine years for a return to the Scottish Premier League.
Now, it could be just days away. The Jags stretched their lead at the top of the Irn-Bru First Division to eight points as a dramatic late victory over Airdrie United yesterday took them to within touching distance of the title as second-placed Morton lost.
Victory over Raith Rovers on Tuesday night will complete the job. The contrast in emotions come the conclusion of a low-key 90 minutes with a remarkable last 90 seconds were stark, however, with Airdrie's relegation confirmed.
"We have a chance to win [the title] in front of our own fans," said Thistle manager Alan Archibald, whose team had to come from behind. "Hopefully they come out in numbers and we can put on a performance. The boys will be in [today] to prepare for that game."
Thistle may have dominated much of an uninspiring affair, but it was a below-par performance from the league leaders. Chances were created, but too often spurned, with the Jags not at their clinical best against a side they stuck seven past at Firhill earlier in the campaign.
They ought to have been ahead just before the half-hour mark when Kris Doolan honed in on goal, but Gregor Buchanan's sliding challenge denied the Thistle forward.
Minutes later, Archibald's side were behind. Jamie Bain's speculative cross should have been easily dealt with but, after Conrad Balatoni sliced his clearance, Liam Watt nicked in to force a save from Thistle keeper Scott Fox and then convert at the second time of asking to give Airdrie a surprise lead.
Right after the break, Watt was involved again, but his appeals for a penalty after a coming together with Andy Dowie were waved away. That call, and a late miss from Willie McLaren, proved costly for Airdrie.
Goals continued to elude Thistle, Sean Welsh and Chris Erskine both passing up decent chances, but when they did arrive they came in quick succession. Balatoni started the fightback with a header and when Christie Elliot converted at the death, Thistle's dreams came true. Airdrie's nightmare has just begun..
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