Partick Thistle 2, Airdrie 1: Fitzpatrick shines as Diamonds struggle

Aidan Fitzpatrick was Partick Thistle's hero as he created two goals for his side on a day when Rocco Diack will have taken the headlines for bagging his first strike for the club.

Airdrie came roaring back in the second half and pulled a goal back early on through Craig Watson, but the damage was done in the first half as Fitzpatrick crossed for Diack's goal and then forced defender Callum Fordyce into a bizarre own-goal.

Diack put Thistle on their way after just seven minutes and that was added to 30 minutes later when Aidan Fitzpatrick's cross took a wicked deflection off Fordyce.

Craig Watson halved the deficit nine minutes into the second half with his second goal of the season, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.

Thistle dominated the first half with Fitzpatrick in particular causing serious problems and he linked well with Diack up front.

Airdrie tried to get forward but were repelled by a strong defence, and on the occasions when they did break through, failed to sufficiently trouble Jamie Sneddon in the Thistle goal.

The second half started well for the Diamonds, with Watson's strike, but it wasn't enough.

Thistle boss Kris Doolan made one change to the side that beat Queen's Park 3-0 in the Scottish Cup fhird round last weekend, as Diack made his first start in place of suspended Brian Graham.

Airdrie player-boss Rhys McCabe kept faith with the same side that beat Stranraer 1-0 in the same competition.

Thistle had the first effort on goal in six minutes when Diack crossed the ball to unmarked Aidan Fitzpatrick on the left, but his angled drive skidded inches past the right post.

Fitzpatrick had his way to goal blocked 30 seconds later, however, and his corner from the left was headed into the far post