AYR UNITED

Ayr United vs. Partick Thistle

Second Leg – Premiership Play-Off Quarter-Final
Friday 9th May – Somerset Park

We’ve been here before. A goal down after the first leg, backs to the wall — and a fight on the cards. But if history tells us anything, it’s that the Jags know how to dig deep and deliver when it truly matters.

With a place in the play-off semi-final at stake, Friday’s trip to Somerset Park promises to be a fierce battle. Ayr may have edged the first leg, but Thistle will travel south with belief, backed by a brilliant away support and a record that shows we can rise to the occasion.

Let’s take a look back at some memorable wins away to the Honest Men.

May 2023 – Ayr United 0–5 Partick Thistle (Agg: 0–8)
A demolition job on Ayrshire turf. Already 3–0 up from the first leg, Thistle crushed Ayr to reach the Premiership play-off final in style. Jack McMillan opened the scoring early before Dipo Akinyemi’s red card left the hosts reeling. Scott Tiffoney netted twice, Stevie Lawless added a drilled finish, and Kevin Holt capped it with a header to complete a jaw-dropping 8–0 aggregate win — one of the most dominant displays in play-off history.

September 2023 – Ayr United 0–4 Partick Thistle
An emotional night for Brian Graham, who opened the scoring just 73 seconds in — a goal he dedicated to his late mother-in-law, Rose. Steven Lawless followed with two stunning long-range strikes before Tomi Adeloye — formerly of Ayr — added the fourth. Jamie Sneddon produced a string of key saves to preserve the clean sheet. Ruthless going forward, rock solid at the back — it was a complete Thistle performance.

November 2021 – Ayr United 0–4 Partick Thistle
A classic under the lights… away from home. Ross Docherty’s deflected free-kick and a Brian Graham volley saw the Jags strike twice in two minutes before the break. Graham grabbed his second late on with a thumping header, and substitute Shea Gordon made it four in stoppage time. The result stretched Thistle’s unbeaten run to seven and launched us up the table with real momentum.

We’ve done it before. We know how to win here. Now it’s time to do it again.

Be there on Friday. Make it loud. Back the Jags.

AITKEN BAR

Aitken Bar to open on Friday evening

GAME RECAP

Partick Thistle vs. Ayr United

Scottish Premiership Play-Off Quarter-Final – First Leg

Thistle’s play-off journey began with a setback on Tuesday night as Ayr United edged the first leg of the Premiership quarter-final, taking a 1–0 win from a tight, tense encounter in Maryhill.

Backed by a vibrant home crowd and a striking red and yellow display in the John Lambie Stand, the game was met with an early disruption. A head clash between Dan O’Reilly and Ayr’s Nick McAllister led to a lengthy delay and a forced substitution for the visitors just nine minutes in.

The first half was cagey, with referee David Dickinson’s whistle a constant feature. Chances were few, but Thistle showed the greater attacking intent. Brian Graham forced Josh Clarke into action with a well-placed header, while the Firhill faithful were left furious after Robbie Crawford appeared to be pushed in the box — only for the appeals to be waved away.

Despite five Thistle bookings in the first half, the Jags looked the brighter side going into the break.

Half Time – Partick Thistle 0 Ayr United 0

The second half followed a similar pattern, but it was the visitors who struck. Just before the hour, a clever cross from Connor McLennan found Jamie Murphy darting into the near post, and the veteran forward glanced a header across goal and into net at the far post.

Thistle responded with fresh energy, despite losing Aidan Fitzpatrick to injury after a heavy challenge from Lenny Agbaire. Terry Ablade injected pace and purpose, carving out a fine opening for Stevie Lawless, whose dangerous cutback was scrambled clear.

The drama continued late on, as Ablade appeared to be clipped twice then bundled off the ball just outside the area — again, no foul given. It summed up a frustrating night for the Jags, who will feel aggrieved by key decisions throughout the match.

It’s a one-goal deficit heading into Friday’s return leg at Somerset Park — live on BBC Scotland. The tie remains finely poised, and Thistle will head to Ayrshire knowing their destiny is still firmly in their own hands.

Full Time – Partick Thistle 0 – Ayr United 1

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POST-MATCH REACTION | Partick Thistle vs. Ayr United

Following Tuesday night’s narrow first-leg defeat to Ayr United, hear from Stuart Bannigan and Brian Graham as they give their thoughts on a frustrating night at Firhill, the fight still to come in Ayrshire, and the belief within the squad heading into Friday’s decisive second leg.

Both interviews are now available to watch on JagZone.

The Jagzone survey has now closed, thanks to the hundreds of people who responded!

Due to the Bank Holiday Monday we were unable to have the matchday programme printed and delivered on time for our William Hill Premiership Play-Off quarter-final first leg against Ayr United however we are pleased to offer a virtual copy.

The matchday programme contains the usual 48 pages and delivers to the same high standard as our matchday programmes this season.

Available via club shop for £2 – HERE

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POTM

Lee Ashcroft was April McCrea FS Player of the Month

LIVINGSTON

Livingston vs. Partick Thistle

When it mattered most, the Jags delivered.

Partick Thistle booked their place in the Premiership play-offs with a gutsy 1–0 win over Livingston in West Lothian, sealing a top-four finish on a night filled with nerves, noise, and non-stop drama.

With Raith Rovers breathing down our necks and Livingston chasing the title, the stage was set for a frantic final night of the regular season. The Jags held their nerve, dug deep, and came away with the three points that ensured our season continues.

It was Livingston who started stronger, with David Mitchell called into action early to deny Robbie Muirhead. As news filtered through of Hamilton taking the lead against Falkirk, tension ramped up across the ground.

But just before half-time, Thistle struck. A sharp move down the right saw Aidan Fitzpatrick, Ben Stanway and Kanayo Megwa combine — and when Megwa’s low ball across goal deflected off Macaulay Tait and into the net, the away end erupted. It was the goal that turned the tie on its head.

Half Time – Livingston 0 Partick Thistle 1

The second half saw Thistle’s injury list grow, with Sean Kelly, Robbie Crawford and Aidan Fitzpatrick all forced off. The reshuffle saw Stevie Lawless and Terry Ablade pressed into unfamiliar roles, but the Jags held firm.

With Raith piling in goals at Hampden, every moment mattered. Livingston threw everything forward, but the defensive trio of Ashcroft, O’Reilly and McBeth stood tall, while David Mitchell pulled off a massive stop from Stevie May to preserve the lead.

Seven agonising minutes of injury time followed, but Thistle held out through the siege — securing a famous win and clinching the final play-off place.

Full Time – Livingston 0 Partick Thistle 1

It was a night that kept the season alive — a performance full of heart and hunger. The Jags earned their place in the play-offs, but the job’s far from finished. After a narrow first-leg defeat to Ayr, it’s now all about Friday in Somerset.

POST-MATCH REACTION | Partick Thistle vs. Ayr United

Following Friday night’s high-stakes win in West Lothian, hear from Kyle Turner and Brian Graham as they reflect on a massive 1–0 victory that secured the Jags’ place in the Premiership play-offs.

Both interviews are now available to watch on JagZone.

VOTM

Eddie Lyons and Benji are the latest Volunteers of the Month

OVER 40’S

Over 40’s Walking Football - Join In!

Over 40's football is open to Men and Women to keep involved in playing football and getting active without the need for full contact sport.

A social area will be available pre/post activity for teas and coffees for anyone who wishes to use it. Admission is £5 pounds per session.

If you, or someone you know is interested - please contact [email protected] 

We hope to see you there at the PTFC training ground!

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