Partick 2-1 Queen of South: Match Report

23 July 2016 04:34

Steven Lawless strike completes Partick's comeback against Queen of the South

Steven Lawless struck a last-gasp winner as Partick Thistle fought back to beat Queen of the South 2-1 in an entertaining Betfred Cup clash at Firhill.

A Liam Lindsay own goal gave Queen's a deserved lead moments into the second half but they were pegged back by a Chris Erskine strike nine minutes from time.

Lawless then volleyed home with seconds remaining to give Thistle the win and move them level on points with their Championship visitors in Group E.

Queen of the South came out of the traps quickest and almost took the lead inside three minutes through Derek Lyle.

The veteran striker was urged to have a pop at goal following Ziggy Gordon's slack pass, but he saw his 20-yard effort cannon off the inside of the post and away to safety.

The home side has opportunities of their own in the first half as they grew into the game. Ade Azeez, making his home debut following his summer capture from AFC Wimbledon, had two chances in two minutes to put Thistle in front.

Firstly he headed David Amoo's floated cross into the side-netting, before seeing his second header brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Queen's goalkeeper Lee Robinson.

Mark Millar then hit a rasping shot against the bar for Gavin Skelton's side in what was a lively first half.

The visitors began the second half the same way as the first and this time took their chance. Lyle was again involved in the play, whipping in a dangerous cross from the right which was bundled home at the near post.

Confusion surfaced as to who got the final touch as Dale Hilson ran away celebrating the goal, but it was credited to Thistle defender Lindsay as an own goal.

Queen's should have doubled their lead with 13 minutes remaining as they struck the woodwork for a third time - Hilson hitting the inside of the post from inside the box with the goal gaping.

The visitors were made to pay for their missed opportunities. Erskine found the bottom left corner with a precise finish following a scramble in the box before Lawless completed the comeback for Partick when he volleyed home in the dying seconds.


Source: PA