NOT even a downpour could dampen Partick Thistle's spirits.
Optimism has grown among fans of the Firhill club that this could be their year to launch a bid for the Irn-Bru First Division title and yesterday's win over Dumbarton maintained their 100% record and sent them two points clear at the top of the table.
"I was pleased with the result because that is the kind of game we probably would have drawn last season," said manager Jackie McNamara. "We were on top in the first half and could have been three or four up. But credit to the boys, we kept going."
Thistle have not been short of attacking verve so far this term and with Dumbarton shipping seven goals in their defeats by Airdrie United and Cowdenbeath in the opening fortnight, the scene was seemingly set for an entertaining afternoon.
It took McNamara's men just 15 minutes to open their account, with Kris Doolan meeting Stuart Bannigan's cross from the left flank to head beyond Dumbarton goalkeeper Stephen Grindlay.
Partick for the most part controlled the game but did not always have things their own way, with Dumbarton growing into the match as time ticked on.
Home goalkeeper Scott Fox was forced into action to deny Jim Lister before Andy Graham scooped a shot over the bar after the ball fell to him inside the Thistle area. These efforts gave Dumbarton encouragement but their attempts to level the scoreline never amounted to anything tangible.
Thistle were also frustrated in their endeavours to add to their tally. Stephen O'Donnell galloped down the right and, when his cutback found Chris Erskine just six yards out, the rest appeared simple for the Thistle forward. However, his shot was blocked by Alan Lithgow as Dumbarton survived once more.
The next time Erskine found himself in front of goal, Alan Adamson's side weren't so fortunate. Thistle made it 2-0 not long after the hour mark, the striker finishing well after Paul Paton's superb burst into the box and pass cut open Dumbarton.
Seven minutes later Erskine turned provider as Bannigan tapped home Thistle's third to secure the points.
"I think that is probably the best we have played this season and we have been beaten 3-0," said Dumbarton manager Adamson. "All credit to Thistle, they got the ball down and passed it but I thought we looked to do the same."
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