IT was lucky 13 for Ryan Stevenson.

A dozen games have come and gone for the striker in the colours of Partick Thistle, but the wait is finally over as he delivered a knockout blow to Hamilton Accies.

It has been a frustrating start to life at Firhill for Stevenson following his move from Hearts in the summer, but the 30-year-old had two reasons to celebrate yesterday.

Recalled to start as the focal point of Thistle's attacking line, he scored fine goals in either half to send Alan Archibald's side through to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

Thistle may have failed to win either of their Premiership meetings with Alex Neil's side this season, but they arguably triumphed in the most important one to date, this victory deservedly putting them in Monday's last-16 draw as Accies became another top-flight team to exit the competition early.

"I don't think Ryan had the breaks earlier in the season," Archibald said. "He was putting in similar performances, but not getting the rub of the green. We were delighted with him. He got two goals and could have had a hat-trick.

"Even when he has not been playing, he has been a good person to have around the club. When you go into big games you need that bit of quality and that is what Ryan brings."

The afternoon started with a blast from the past and trip down memory lane for those inside Firhill as Thistle paid tribute to the late Arthur Montford, the Scotsport theme music blaring out over the tannoy system as the teams strolled onto the pitch.

When the action got underway, there was plenty for the men behind the mic who follow in Montford's illustrious footsteps to muse over. Neither side was at their free-flowing best, but two goals and a feisty edge to the game made for an entertaining cup tie, even if fewer than 2500 fans turned out to see it.

It was Accies who had the first real chance as Ali Crawford curled just wide from the edge of the area after a good run from midfield but, minus playmaker Tony Andreu through injury, Neil's side lacked a spark and clear opportunities were few and far between thereafter.

Crawford would see another strike blocked after a Stephen Hendrie drive was diverted into his path, but there was no real cutting edge to Hamilton's play. Instead, it was at the other end of the park where the net would bulge, with the cheers of celebration followed by sighs of relief as Stevenson rifled the ball into the roof of the net to give Thistle the lead 20 minutes in.

Seconds later, he spurned a glorious chance to double his tally and the Jags' advantage as he fired over from just yards out.

That moment would come for Stevenson just nine minutes into the second half as he capped a fine Thistle move involving Kallum Higginbotham and Jake Carroll down the left flank, the Firhill No 10 slotting home to put the Jags well in control as they continued to impress.

It was to prove the final goal of the afternoon, but it wasn't for a lack of trying from both sides as Accies pushed for a way back into the tie and Thistle looked to kill it off. Jesus Garcia Tena saw his free kick whistle over Paul Gallacher's bar before the Jags keeper denied sub Louis Longridge.

His opposite number was even busier, Michael McGovern blocking a Stephen O'Donnell effort and twice denying Kris Doolan.

Accies were almost left red faced when McGovern and Hendrie got their wires crossed and the ball trickled by the post, and when Dougie Imrie was sent off for scything down Carroll, Accies' cup dreams had turned into a nightmare.

"This is as disappointed as I have been after a game," Neil said. "The manner of it, we controlled the game and controlled the ball, but it was huff and puff.

"There was nothing at the end of it, which was disappointing. It was a tough one to take because I wanted to do well in this competition and get a cup run."