Ben Stanway reveals Partick Thistle moment he'll never forget as he walks in legends' shoes after first goal

Ben Stanway hopes to turn a good week into a perfect one by following up his first Partick Thistle goal and new contract with three points against Ayr United tonight.

The 18-year-old academy product has been a standout for Kris Doolan’s side in recent weeks and was rewarded with a new deal until 2026 on Wednesday. That came just days after the midfielder headed home his first goal for the club against Queen of the South in front of his biggest fans - mum Yvonne, dad Gary and grandpa Robert.

Stanway admits celebrating in front of his family in the Jackie Husband Stand is a moment that will live with him forever. It all made for a memorable few days, but there’s still room for improvement. Stanway, on loan at Airdrie last season, said: “It’s been a good week. Scoring my first goal was the start of the good stuff then following it up with a contract extension. Hopefully we can get a win at Ayr and that’ll make it even better.

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“We’d spoken about the contract a wee bit but I didn’t know when it was actually going to happen. When it did I was buzzing. At the start of the season I wanted to make sure after my loan spell that I came back with a bang and tried to impress the gaffer and my teammates.

“It was always in the back of my head I needed to lift my standards even more and try and come back and play. My goal meant the world to me. The week before I had a few chances at Morton and I couldn’t find the back of the net.

“I was getting worried it was never going to happen! When I saw it hit the back of the net it was an unbelievable feeling. I think it’s the fastest I’ve ever ran on a football pitch! I was