The Thistle Archive

Media report

08-Sep-2001, bbc.com

Gerry Britton headed the winner as Partick Thistle clinched the victory that took the Glasgow club to the top of the First Division. They had to come back from behind after Eddie Annand had put pre-season title favourites Ayr United in front. But an excellent equaliser from Jamie Dolan and Britton's 62nd-minute strike won the game for last season's promoted side. Ayr were without David Craig, who has had a knee operation, and fellow defender Mark Campbell was still sidelined. Barry Elliot, Pat Kelly and David McCallum were out injured for Partick, but Dolan had recovered in time to start. The visitors were first to settle and put Thistle a goal down in the 11th minute. Gary Teale, linked with Celtic in midweek, swung in a corner from the left and Annand tapped the ball into the net at the back post. Dollan picked up a United clearance five minutes from half-time and his 25-yard rocket gave goalkeeper Craig Nelson no chance as it streaked into the top corner of the net. Thistle dominated the second half and established a winning lead when awarded a free-kick on the right wing. Derek Fleming swung in the free-kick and Britton's low header beat Nelson at his left-hand post.

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