It could have been worse as it took a header from Kris Doolan in the final minute to spare them defeat against a battling Raith team.
Partick had spells of dominance, but David McGurn in the Raith goal was equal to everything they could muster until Doolan's belated contribution.
Raith had led through a crisply-struck goal from Greig Spence midway through the second half.
Dunfermline Athletic moved to within a point with a convincing 3-0 win at Hamilton Academical.
Jim Jefferies' side controlled the first half without much to show for it and Hamilton threatened on occasion, but Ryan Wallace made the breakthrough in the opening minute of the second half, tucking away a cutback from Stephen Jordan.
Andy Barrowman showed a striker's instinct to touch home a second goal and Ryan Thomson rounded off the scoring in the final minute.
Morton kept up their challenge with a 3-2 win at Airdrie United. After Morton hit the post three times, John Boyle put Airdrie ahead with a left-foot shot.
But Archie Campbell scored a deserved equaliser early in the second half when he beat Arthur with a lob, and David O'Brien put Morton ahead with a precise finish.
Campbell added a solo third before Boyle pulled a goal back. David Lilley was sent off in the closing stages for Airdrie.
Livingston finally found some form at home as they thumped winless Dumbarton 5-0 – their first win at Almondvale since February.
Marc McNulty gave them an early lead after good work from Iain Russell and Craig Barr doubled their advantage.
Chris Turner missed a penalty for Dumbarton before Russell crossed for McNulty at the back post to nab his second.
Substitute Callum Booth scored with his first touch before Keaghan Jacobs grabbed goal number five with a free kick.
Cowdenbeath and Falkirk fought out a 1-1 draw at Central Park.
David Weatherston gave Falkirk a third-minute lead with his left foot after Cowdenbeath failed to deal with Stewart Murdoch's pass.
Lewis Coult equalised after 19 minutes when he controlled the ball well at the edge of the area and beat Michael McGovern.
Lyle Taylor forced a great save from Thomas Flynn just before half-time as Falkirk finished the half strongly. Colin Cameron shot narrowly wide for Cowdenbeath in the closing stages as the home side almost won it.
