- The match ended in a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an exciting second leg.
- Airdrieonians took an early lead but Partick Thistle’s Luke McBeth and Scott Robinson scored to turn the game around.
- Airdrieonians equalized with a counter-attack goal from Gabby McGill.
- Both teams showed strong defensive performances, with Airdrieonians having more total touches in the box but Partick Thistle having more goalkeeper saves.
- The winner of the tie will face Raith Rovers for a chance to play in the Premiership next season.
Newsypeople- The first leg of the Premiership play-off quarter-final between Airdrie and Partick Thistle ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an exciting second leg at Firhill. The match was characterized by a series of high-quality chances and goals from both teams, showcasing the competitive nature of the Scottish football scene.
Airdrie took an early lead through a goal from Nikolay Todorov, who outjumped Harry Milne at the back post to head home Charlie Telfer’s cross. However, Partick Thistle quickly responded with a spectacular goal from Luke McBeth, who scored his first professional goal with a curling strike from 25 yards into the corner of the net. This goal was particularly impressive as it was McBeth’s first season in senior football after joining from Glenafton Athletic.
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The momentum shifted back in favor of Airdrie when Scott Robinson scored just before the break, ghosting into the six-yard box unmarked and converting a cross from Brian Graham. Airdrie then equalized in the second half through Gabby McGill, who converted a low cross from Mason Hancock. This goal was a result of a superb counter-attack, showcasing Airdrie’s ability to turn the game around.
Full-time: Airdrieonians 2-2 Partick Thistle. The Diamonds bossing the second half, but it’s all square going into Friday’s Firhill showdown. pic.twitter.com/7PZswKJMOP
— Airdrieonians FC (@AirdrieoniansFC) May 7, 2024
Throughout the match, both teams demonstrated their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Airdrie’s Robbie Hemfrey made an unbelievable save to deny Graham from a few yards out, and Cammy Ballantyne executed a tremendous goal-saving block. Partick Thistle’s David Mitchell also made several crucial saves, including a point-blank stop from Graham’s header in the final 15 minutes.
The match ended with both teams having chances to take an advantage into the second leg. Airdrie, aiming for a second consecutive play-off success, and Partick Thistle, looking to improve on their performance from last year, will face each other again at Firhill on Friday. The winner of the tie will advance to a two-legged tie against Raith Rovers for a place in next season’s top flight.
The match highlighted the close competition between the two teams, with Partick Thistle’s 4-0 win over Airdrie in April and a 2-1 victory earlier in December serving as a reminder of the challenges ahead. The second leg promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams aiming to build on their performances and secure their place in the Premiership.