Partick Thistle 2- 0 Ayr United

O’Reilly (41′) Chalmers (45′)

Two late first-half goals ensured victory for Partick Thistle, as they swept aside Ayr United in the Premier Sports Cup Round of 16.

The two sides met for the first time since Brian Graham’s dramatic late winner in the Premiership playoffs after both teams had successfully navigated their respective Premier Sports Cup group stage.

Partick Thistle dominated large portions of the first half.

Logan Chalmers’ clever through ball found Letsosa on the left side of the box, but David Mitchell gathered the resultant cross. Chalmers picked up another nice position in the same area soon after, but could not trouble the Ayr goalie.

Tony Watt ‘s clever header released Aiden Fitzpatrick, who beat a defender and arrowed a left-footed off the post.

Thistle had a goal disallowed in 12 minutes when Watt’s header was clawed out by David Mitchell, Fitzpatrick scored the rebound, but the game was brought back for an earlier incident.

Ayr United scored 14 goals across their four group games but hardly threatened Clarke’s goal in the opening 45 minutes.

Partick continued to create chances, with Watt finding space in the box after positive play from Letsosa, but the former Motherwell striker couldn’t sort his feet in the box and his tame strike was easily gathered.

Thistle deservedly took the lead on 41 minutes as Chalmers’ deep cross was met in the air by Daniel O’Reilly, who headed back across goal past Mitchell to the delight of the home support.

The Chalmers show continued on the stroke of halftime, picking up a positive area on the right edge of the box, he unleashed a low strike that arrowed into the bottom corner.

It was a positive first half for Mark Wilson’s side, who looked set to gain another scalp over their Ayrshire rivals.

Scott Brown demanded a response at halftime, but unfortunately for the former Celtic captain, the second began much like the first had ended, as the Jags swept forward in numbers to create numerous openings. Cam Reading came closest but his low strike was straight at Mitchell.

Aiden Fitzpatrick had a golden chance to make it three, after Thistle had pinched possession, then Tony Watt played the winger in on goal., but dragged his shot inches wide.

Partick Thistle were yet to register a victory in the Scottish Championship this season, but showed signs that they could once again challenge for the playoff positions. McPherson, Chalmers, Letsosa, Fitzpatrick, and Watt had all linked well during the game, and should have put the game beyond Ayr on many occasions.

Ben Stanway had the next chance after 84 minutes, his drilled strike was palmed away by David Mitchell, who had endured a busy afternoon, ending with victory for the home side.

Partick Thistle: Clarke McPherson (Logan 66’) Ashcroft O’Reilly Reading Stanway Crawford Chalmers Letsosa (Falconer 85’) Fitzpatrick (Lawless 73’) Watt (Samuel 73’)

Bookings: Crawford 78’

Ayr United: Mitchell Watret McAllister Want (Main 19’) Dick Thomas Bannigan Ure Bonnar (Hastie 46’) McKenzie Oakley

Bookings: Mitchell 40’ Bannigan 45+1’ Ure 55’ Thomas 71’

Attendance: 3,124