Partick Thistle looking to end Cove Rangers winning start to season

The Aberdeen side are the only team to win their opening two League 1 fixtures, having seen off East Fife and Peterhead.

Like Thistle they are hoping to get out of the division at the first attempt, the difference being they are seeking a third successive promotion after winning the Highland League and League 2 in the past two seasons.

In contrast Thistle’s focus is on a quickfire return to the Championship after their enforced relegation.

And Ian McCall’s side took their first step along that road on Saturday as they bounced back from their opening day defeat at Clyde to beat Airdrie at Firhill.

They had to come from behind to do it, Airdrie taking the lead in the 35th minute when Dale Carrick headed home.

But Brian Graham levelled five minutes later, slotting home after being set up by Shea Gordon.

And Blair Spittal got what proved to be the winner on the hour, curling home to finish off a Thistle counter attack.

Manager Ian McCall told the club website ptfc.co.uk: “It’s a win, that’s the most important thing.

“I felt we deserved the win, although you have to give Airdrie a lot of credit for the last 10-15 minutes of the game. They are really dangerous from set pieces and got a lot of balls into our box and we defended them really well.

“We had a good start to the second half and Blair hit a cracking goal that turned out to be the winner. We had two or three really good chances to put the game to bed but we defended really well.

“We also didn’t know until 1pm if Ross Docherty or Brian Graham were going to be able to play but I was really pleased both managed to come through the 90 minutes. All that mattered today was winning, it’s as simple as that and we did it.”