Scottish Football Restructuring Proposal Phase 2: Refreshing the Pyramid Structure
A comprehensive new proposal to restructure Scottish football has been launched by supporter and former SPFL scout Joe Quinn, including a restructuring of the league system. The changes aim to improve competitiveness, increase revenue potential, and provide a clearer development pathway from grassroots to professional football. The system is designed to be fair, sustainable, and better suited to a modern footballing environment, with room for expansion and further reform. Overview of the New Structure The existing four-tier system will remain, but with an expansion to three 14- team national divisions: the Premiership, Championship, and League 1. Below League 1, the Lowland League and Highland League will be rebranded as the National League and National League North, respectively, with both becoming officially integrated as part of the SPFL pyramid. The overall structure would be: Premiership (14 teams) – Tier 1 Championship (14 teams) – Tier 2 League 1 (14 teams) – Tier 3 National League (formerly Lowland League) – Tier 4 National League North (formerly Highland League) – Tier 4 Tier 6 Feeder Leagues (West, East, South of Scotland) This expanded system allows for greater movement between divisions, more meaningful competition, and a consistent structure across the professional and semi-professional levels. Premiership (14 teams) The top tier of Scottish football would expand from 12 to 14 clubs. Each club would play every other team twice (home and away) in the regular season, for a total of 26 matches. After this, the league would split into two groups of 7 – a Championship Group (top 7) and a Relegation Group (bottom 7). Teams would then play each club in their group twice more (home and away), adding 12 more fixtures, resulting in a total of 38 matches per team. This structure keeps the excitement of the league split, increases competitiveness, and allows more clubs to compete at the top level. Championship (14 teams) The second tier would mirror the Premiership in size and structure, also expanding to 14 clubs. The split system would be identical: 26 regular fixtures followed by a split into two groups of 7, each playing 12 more matches post- split. This gives every club 38 matches, balancing fixture congestion while maintaining fan interest. The Championship would offer 1 automatic promotion spot to the Premiership, and 1 additional promotion via playoffs involving teams placed 2nd to 5th (explained in section 9). League 1 (14 teams) League 1 would follow the same format as the Premiership and Championship, featuring 14 teams, 38 matches (26 pre-split and 12 post-split), and a mid- season split. This structure makes the lower tiers more exciting and gives clubs in League 1 a clearer, fairer path to promotion and financial growth. League 1 becomes a more meaningful competitive division, rather than being seen as a transitional tier between full-time and part-time football. National League (formerly Lowland League) The current Lowland League will be rebranded as the National League and serve as the SPFL’s Tier 4 division in the southern and central regions of Scotland. Clubs from the East of Scotland League, South of Scotland League, and West of Scotland Premier Division will feed into this league. The aim is to give it formal parity with the National League North (Highland League) and eventually bring both under a professional or semi-professional umbrella with better regulation, licensing, and visibility. National League North (formerly Highland League) The Highland League will be rebranded as the National League North and serve as Tier 4 for northern Scotland. The structure will remain largely the same, but it will now sit officially parallel to the National League. Feeder leagues into the National League North will continue to include the North Caledonian League, the Midlands League, and the North Region Juniors, 16 preserving the regional pyramid while integrating the north more clearly into the national structure. Tier 6 Feeder Leagues At Tier 6, the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, East of Scotland Premier Division, and South of Scotland Football League will remain in place. These leagues will continue to operate as feeder leagues into the National League (Lowland) system. Promotion from Tier 6 to Tier 4 will be maintained via licensing criteria and a playoff process (e.g., the top eligible clubs from each Tier 6 league competing for promotion). This ensures upward mobility while enforcing minimum standards for facilities, finances, and governance. Fixture Breakdown (Pre- and Post-Split) In the new 14-team leagues (Premiership, Championship, and League 1), each club plays: 26 matches (13 home, 13 away) in the regular season, facing each opponent twice After 26 matches, the league splits into two groups of 7: o Top 7 (Championship Group) o Bottom 7 (Relegation Group) Each team plays the others in their group twice (home and away) = 12 matches Total: 38 matches per team This model is based on the Greek Super League format and keeps the season competitive throughout—ensuring more clubs fight for promotion, survival, or European qualification deep into the campaign. Promotion and Relegation (All Divisions) Premiership Bottom 2 teams are automatically relegated to the Championship. No playoff with Championship teams—promotion is earned directly. Championship 1st place promoted automatically to the Premiership. 2nd to 5th enter a promotion playoff: 2nd vs 4th, 3rd vs 5th – two-legged ties Winners meet in a one-legged final The winner is promoted Home advantage in the first leg goes to the team with better head-to-head in the post-split Bottom 2 teams are automatically relegated to League 1 League 1 1st place promoted automatically to the Championship 2nd to 5th enter a promotion playoff: 2nd vs 4th, 3rd vs 5th – two-legged ties Winners meet in a one-legged final The winner is promoted Home advantage in the first leg goes to the team with better head-to-head in the post-split Bottom team is automatically entered into a play-off with the winner of the National League and the National League North play-off winner. Relegation playoff remains similar to the existing SPFL structure, with Tier 4 clubs in the National League & National League North
Rangers 2-2 Celtic: Hatate Snatches Point for Hoops in Four-Goal Ibrox Thriller
Rangers 2-2 Celtic Chermiti (8′, 26′) Tierney (56′) Hatate (90+1′) Substitute Reo Hatate scrambled home a 90th-minute equaliser to complete a two-goal comeback, and rescue a point for Martin O’Neill’s Celtic in a breathless Ibrox encounter. At a Glance A tale of two halves at Ibrox saw Rangers race into a two-goal lead courtesy of a Youssef Chermiti masterclass, including a breathtaking bicycle kick and a clinical finish following a defensive lapse. But the visitors would respond in the second half. A towering Kieran Tierney header threw the visitors a lifeline before Reo Hatate secured a breathless draw at the death, reacting quickest to his own parried penalty to silence the home support. Key Moments Rangers thwarted their rivals in the first half with a determined performance. Mikey Moore drifted infield after eight minutes, finding Andreas Skov Olsen on the right edge of the box. The winger’s inviting cross was spectacularly finished past Youssef Chermiti, towering over the static Celtic defence to strike past the outstretched Sinisalo. Danny Rohl’s side continued to bully their opponents and doubled their lead in the 25th minute. Murray misjudged the bounce of Nico Raskin’s speculative ball, allowing Chermiti space in the box. The striker’s first goal was emphatic, but this time he showed composure to cushion the ball past Julian Araujo and slot past Sinisalo. The hosts had further chances in a dominant first half, Emmanuel Fernandez narrowly headed wide on the stroke of halftime for their closest effort. Celtic had been blown away and looked set to remain nine points off the top of the table, but did respond in the opening ten minutes of the second period. Butland pushed away Reo Hatate’s low strike in the 54th minute, for the visitors’ first shot on in the entire game. Their pressure paid off moments later. Benjamin Nygren’s lofted cross from the left was headed across goal by the leaping Kieran Tierney, the ball nestled into Butland’s bottom corner, producing a lifeline for the Scottish Champions. Celtic continued to threaten in search of an equaliser. Tounekti linked with Maeda on the edge of the box, before slipping Luke McCowan through on goal. The substitute’s left-footed strike was smothered by Butland to maintain the host’s lead. Murray headed over from Nygren’s floated ball moments later. John Beaton pointed to the spot in the 90th minute, after Maeda’s close-range header bounced off Sterling’s arm in the box. Butland produced a tremendous double save from Hatate’s resultant penalty, but the Japanese crashed home from close range to equalise. The draw gives Hearts a six-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership; the Glasgow rivals will meet next Sunday in the Scottish Cup, which will hopefully deliver another pulsating match. Three Points Rangers Rock Celtic in First Half Rangers grabbed the game in the opening ten minutes amidst a raucous Ibrox. Mikey Moore and Tuur Rommens regularly adopted an advanced position on the left flank, causing endless problems for the Celtic back four. The spectacular opening goal came from Moore’s positive run, before switching the play to Andreas Skov Olsen to cross for Chermiti’s acrobats. Chermiti Produces Again The Portuguese striker has developed a knack for producing vital goals in big matches this year. Twice against Celtic in January, a hat trick against the Jambos in February, and two more against their city rivals in March. Rohl will hope his 8 million pound man can discover a consistent goalscoring return, but his big game credentials cannot be questioned. Substitutes Turn Game January recruits Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Junior Adamu endured a gruelling baptism of fire, struggling to match the frenetic tempo of their first Glasgow Derby. Their premature withdrawal at the interval proved a turning point, as the introductions of Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti injected much-needed urgency into the Celtic ranks. After a harrowing opening half-hour, Martin O’Neill will be immensely satisfied to have salvaged a point from the brink of collapse Team Ratings Rangers: Butland 7 Sterling 7 Souttar 7 Fernandez 7 Rommens 7 Chukwuani 7 Raskin 7 Skov Olsen 7 Moore 9 Chermiti 9 Naderi 7 Substitutes: Diomande 6 Gassama 7 Celtic: Sinisalo 7 Araujo 6 Murray 6 Scales 6 Tierney 6 McGregor 6 Oxlade-Chamberlain 3 Nygren 7 Yang 6 Maeda 6 Adamu 2 Substitutes: Tounetki 8 Hatate 8 McCowan 6 Saracchi 4 Forrest 4
There are huge positives – Carrick pleased with progress ahead of European push
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is focused on keeping the “momentum” after their positive upturn in form since his arrival. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, the manager highlighted the importance of squad rotation amidst a busy schedule. “When there are a lot more games, we have rotation or have to change things physically. There are huge positives with the results we’ve had, playing well and winning games, but a big awareness from me and the staff is how important everyone is in the group. Even though it’s the same players, game-to-game we have tweaked things, some of the front players have changed in different positions, Luke [Shaw] has played in a different role in possession, but there is a feeling of trying to keep the momentum.” Carrick has remained unbeaten in his opening six matches since taking over from Ruben Amorim, including seismic victories over Man City and Arsenal. The lack of European football has allowed Carrick’s side to be “laser focused” on their domestic push. “It’s certainly where we want to be [Champions League]. I think you’ve got to earn that you’ve got to show you’re good enough. At the moment, we are laser-focused on what is ahead for us. There is no point in looking elsewhere. We know where we want to be, we know what we need to do to get there and the performance level and the games that are coming up, we want to try and get the right results.” Carrick pointed towards the positive impact of Harry Maguire, who has made 14 appearances so far this season. The Englishman played all 90 minutes of Monday’s narrow victory over Everton. “Harry is an impressive character. He’s had a great career so far; hopefully, there is a lot more to come. He’s been here on the journey, and the experiences he’s had show exactly what he is. We know the player he is and what he is capable of doing. He was fantastic the other night [against Everton] – his experience, attributes and character help. He’s willing to put himself out there. He’s been really important for us.” “There is a case, as your career goes, when you’re a young player, and everything is fresh and new, you’re fearless, and there aren’t many scars there. You get to your peak years, and you feel good, and everything is there, but you’ve had a few ups and downs. As you get towards the later times, the experience should make you a better player. We’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late.” Monday’s goalscorer, Benjamin Sesko, has recorded three goals since Carrick’s introduction, including 90th-minute strikes against Fulham and West Ham. Despite the Slovenian’s impact, Carrick is yet to start the striker, but insists there is “no drama” in his exclusion. “The whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision that is one I look at in a negative way. We’re playing well as a team, we’re not getting carried away and thinking that it carries on. The forwards have scored a good number of goals. Ben has been so good in so many ways. It’s really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got. If he starts the next game or the one after, it is what it is, but he’s doing so many good things.”
Motherwell explore Fir Park redevelopment following AGM talks
Motherwell have taken the first step toward a potential stadium upgrade, with chairman Kyrk MacMillan confirming that a feasibility study into the ground’s redevelopment is officially underway. Addressing shareholders at the club’s AGM, MacMillan confirmed the recent launch of the project: “Very recently, we’ve undertaken a feasibility study in regards to the redevelopment of Fir Park or potential other options “Those results were only shared with the board on Tuesday so we’re not in a position right now where we can share the outcome because it’s 200 pages long. “So everything’s on the table right now. For us it’s really important we make the right decision which is why we’ve undertaken a significant feasibility study. “It’s a really, really significant investment so it’s really important we take the right decision and take our time over it.” A Motherwell shareholder raised concerns regarding the condition of the 65-year-old Phil O’Donnell Stand. While the club’s strong form on the pitch continues, supporters may find further encouragement in the board’s proactive approach to infrastructure. Alongside these development plans, the club announced a loss of £263,000 in its annual accounts for the 2024-2025 period. However, the club noted: “This was after depreciation costs of about £550,000 and the £105,000 finance cost for the ‘interest free economic benefit’ arising from the Scottish Government’s Covid recovery loan. “Excluding the impact of the two accounting practices, the club made a profit of £400,000, up more than £70,000 on the previous season.”
Scottish Football Restructuring Proposal Aims to Modernise the National Game
A comprehensive new proposal to restructure Scottish football has been launched by supporter and former SPFL scout Joe Quinn to modernise the game, improve competitiveness, and strengthen its long-term commercial and sporting future. The proposal, which has already generated early discussion across sections of the Scottish football community, outlines a long-term vision to improve league structure, financial sustainability, youth development, women’s football, supporter engagement, and broadcast value. Joe Quinn believes that Scottish football is at a crossroads and must act now to avoid falling behind comparable European leagues. “Scottish football has an incredible history, passionate supporters, and strong community foundations, but the current structure risks holding the game back. This proposal is about creating a more competitive, modern, and entertaining product that can grow both domestically and internationally.” Key Proposals Include: A 14-14-14 League Structure A redesigned league system aimed at improving competitiveness, reducing repetitive fixtures, and strengthening promotion and relegation pathways across the pyramid. Enhanced Pyramid and National League System A stronger link between the SPFL and lower tiers to improve access, sustainability, and long-term development of clubs. League Cup Reform The current group stage would be replaced with a knockout format to increase excitement, competitiveness, and fan engagement. Improved TV Rights and Commercial Strategy The proposal calls for a more strategic approach to broadcasting, including Friday and Monday night matches and greater visibility for lower divisions. The proposal argues that Scottish football’s current TV deals are undervalued and that a stronger structure would justify increased investment. Ethical Sponsorship and Long-Term Growth The plan encourages a shift toward responsible, non-gambling sponsorship that aligns with modern football teams’ values and supports long-term sustainability. Youth Development Reform A national Under-18 and Under-21 league structure to strengthen pathways and retain talent in Scotland. Women’s Football Development A structured, competitive pyramid designed to grow the women’s game and increase visibility and standards. Supporter Engagement and Transparency Creation of a national supporter body, the Fans Collective of Scottish Football (FCSF), to improve communication, fan representation, and collaboration across clubs. National Team Vision The proposal also outlines a vision for both the men’s and women’s national teams to play selected matches across Scotland in cities and communities that do not regularly host international football, while keeping Hampden Park as the primary home. This approach is designed to boost local economies, increase grassroots engagement, and inspire the next generation of players and supporters. Driving National Conversation “This isn’t about criticism or division. It’s about starting a constructive national conversation. Scottish football belongs to everyone, and meaningful change will only happen if we work together.” The proposal is intended as a discussion platform and roadmap for future reform rather than a fixed solution. Media Opportunities Joe Quinn is available for interviews, radio and TV discussions, podcasts, and feature articles. Contact: Joe Quinn Email: joseph.a.quinn@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07967 213586
Hearts loanee given unique derby experience after Tottenham move
New Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor promoted Hearts loanee James Wilson to the bench after the youngster impressed the Spurs management team ahead of the North London Derby. Despite not featuring in the match against Arsenal, the 18-year-old would have gained a new viewpoint of one of English football’s biggest games. Missing several players through injury, Tudor may turn to the Scotland international in the coming months. Wilson had endured a frustrating start to the season for Hearts. But after two appearances for Tottenham’s U-21’s side, he was thrust into the match squad against their bitter rivals. Quite the turn of events for a player who fell down the pecking order in the Gorgie ranks. Despite preferring the likes of Claudio Braga and Pierre Landry Kabore, Derek McInnes had advised that he did not want the youngster to make the London move. James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” said McInnes. “I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been. I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something. “We’d get him a loan in Scotland if need be, to top his minutes up, and we can maybe recall him – still get the best of both worlds. “But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet, and then all of a sudden, Tottenham came to the table. “I don’t think it’s the right move for him. Ultimately, it’s academy football and I think he’s better than that. But it was something James wanted to do. “I hope it goes well for him because he’s a great kid. We’ll see how it plays out. I just need to concentrate on the players who are here and who want to be here and play their part.” The move may turn fortuitous for the Hearts Academy graduate, who may feature on the Premier League stage before the end of the season.
“Capable” Hibernian secure first Parkhead victory since 2010
Hibs boss David Gray believes it is “all to play for” after his side delivered a priceless victory against Celtic on Sunday afternoon. “It’s been a long time coming. That’s twice we’ve been here [this season] and not lost. “It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance that requires every man to be at their very best. “It’s all about us. How can we keep improving? It’s a massive three points today on the back of a positive result last week against St Mirren. “That’s us five points behind Motherwell, still to play them twice and all the teams around about us. “It’s all to play for between now and the end of the season, and we’ll be aiming to push up the table as hard as we can. All you can do is take one game at a time.” Kai Andrews late winner moved Hibs six clear of Falkirk, and with winnable encounters with Dundee and Livingston on the horizon, there is reason to be optimistic on the green side of Edinburgh ahead of the run-in.
Man City 2-1 Newcastle: academy graduate provides spark for title chasers
Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United N. O’Reilly (14′ , 27′) L. Hall (22′) Man City closed the gap to two points on league leaders Arsenal after a tightly contested victory over Newcastle at the Etihad. Academy graduate Nico O’Reilly was the hero for Pep Guardiola, delivering two goals in a pulsating first half. He opened the scoring after collecting Omar Marmoush’s pass on the edge of the box in the 14th minute. The 20-year-old’s first-time finish was too accurate for Nick Pope, lasering into the bottom-left corner, to give City a crucial lead. Newcastle, fresh from a commanding 6-1 Champions League victory in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, hit back eight minutes later, delivering another twist in the title race. Lewis Hall’s deflected left-footed strike wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma to the delight of the visiting support. City hit back on the 27-minute mark, as their wonderkid struck his second of the game. Erling Haaland, so often the finisher, turned provider, with a chipped cross to the back post. O’Reilly showed composure to cushion his header across Pope and edge the Citizens back in front. The tense second half followed, but eventually delivered a precious three points. All eyes turn to North London on Sunday afternoon, as leaders Arsenal look to respond against Tottenham. Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias (Khunsanov 46′), Guehi, Nouri, Rodri, Semenyo (Foden 87′), Silva, O’Reilly, Haaland, Marmoush (Cherki 58′) Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Willock (Barnes 60′), Elanga (Murphy 78′), Woltemade (Joelinton 60′), Gordon (Osula 78′)
I want to keep him here as long as possible – Wilson Praises Stanway Impact
Partick Thistle boss Mark Wilson feels the club is “pulling together” after the Jags celebrated their 150th anniversary with victory over Airdrieonians at Firhill. The scoreline looks narrow, but doesn’t reflect the Thistle’s domination in the match. Wilson praised his glowing side for delivering a “great three points”. “You just get games sometimes, you’re more anxious than others, and having been at the St Johnstone game the other week and seeing how good Airdrie are, and how many problems they can cause you, it’s important that we were spot on with a lot of space today I thought after the first few minutes, we got to grips and caused them a lot of problems, it is a great three points, a great goal to win it, and puts us in a decent position.” Wilson won four SPL titles at Celtic during a stellar playing career and understands the importance of grinding out results. He believes his side have put themselve in a great position. “I’ve been in a few [title races], you can’t win them all comfortably, especially when it gets to this time of the year, you maybe trade performances levels and sparkling football for actual results, so at this point we take that all day long, when it gets into the brighter, nicer weather, you might see better products on the pitch. “We had good opportunities that we could have made that a whole lot more comfortable, but really pleased because Airdrie are a good side, I know they are at the wrong end of the table, but they have good players, and they’ll cause teams problems.” “St Johnstone have always been in there with the big advantage, and at one stage, people were right to say that they could run away with it, with the games in hand, could have gone eight clear, but we’ve just kept chipping away. “I don’t think we’ve ever been ahead of ourselves in what we are trying to achieve here, but going into March, we’ve put ourselves in a really good position against a really good St Johnstone team, and over our shoulders as well, Arbroath are right there as well. So we are still in a fight, we are looking both ways, but hopefully performances and the resilience we’ve built in our team take us up the way rather than looking over our shoulders.” Wilson admits he has always felt a quiet confidence in his side, but with another tough encounter against Dunfermline on Tuesday, he will not allow his side to get carried away. “I have for a long time, we try to build the team, the old saying, mix of experience and youth, and I think we’ve got that, we really know how to battle out performances, near the end it was about managing our the game and with young players in your team you can sometimes get away from that but ovbiously the experienced ones dig in.” “We’ve got another big one on Tuesday night, another difficult one. This league has shown me that you can go anywhere and lose on any given night, so we will rest up tonight, very light tomorrow, and back in Monday morning.” Ben Stanway celebrated his 100th game with the winning goal for Wilson’s side. The manager appreciates the academy graduate’s hard work in the summer, which has snowballed into the latest campaign. “I came in a year ago, and Stanners was frustrated with his game time; he was in and out, but he played a big part in the playoffs for us.” “What he did do is go away in the summer and worked himself, a great lesson for any young kid. He comes back really fit and he fits into the style of play that we want. “Alex Rae spends a whole lot of time with him, and that isn’t just by coincidence; the amount of time that kid spends on the pitch practising that, and the fine detail of where to put it. Alex, as the coach takes credit, but the player has to carry it out. “I have no doubt Ben will go to higher things, but of course I want to keep him here as long as possible.”
Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians: Jags close gap on league leaders after dominant victory
Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians Stanway (23′) Ben Stanway’s first-half free kick was the difference for Partick Thistle, as they closed the gap on St Johnstone to three points. After league leaders St Johnstone’s goalless draw in Kirkcaldy, Mark Wilson’s side knew the gap at the top of the table could be cut to three points with victory over relegation-threatened Airdrie. The visitors settled well, but the Jags played like a side determined to close the gap. They produced the first major chance on the 10-minute mark, as Alex Samuel headed Logan Chalmer’s cross off the far post. The ball deflected into the six-yard box, and Airdrie scrambled clear. The visitors struggled to deal with Thistle, who seized control. Ts’oanelo Lets’osa drove at the backline in the 20th minute, the ball found its way to Patrick Reading, whose shot deflected away from Harry Stone’s net. Thistle deservedly opened the scoring three minutes later, after Jamie Barjonas hauled Tony Watt down on the edge of the box, Ben Stanway delivered a rasping free-kick into the top right corner. The goal warranted the Jags’ relentless pressure and closed the gap on St Johnstone at the summit of the Scottish Championship. Oisin Smyth forced a low save from Stone moments later, as they looked to turn the screw. Stone produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Let’sosa, who raced onto Tony Watt’s forward ball, and fired a left-footed strike high towards the goal. Lee Ashcroft headed wide from close range after the resulting corner. Wilson would have been pleased with his side’s response following a pedestrian opening ten minutes. The only negative was that they didn’t score more chances. Airdrie worked their best chance on the stroke of halftime. After breaking over the halfway line, Dylan MacDonald found space on the right-hand side of the box. With only Clarke to beat, the defender sliced his strike behind and perhaps should have done better. The rain began to pour in Glasgow’s West End, but the hosts picked up where they left off from the first period. Stone produced another tremendous one-handed save to deny Smyth from the edge of the box. The Northern Irish midfielder’s curling effort looked set to find the top right corner, but once again, Stone kept his toiling side in the game. Substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick burst into the game in the 64th minute and showcased electric pace, evading several white and red jerseys. His back post cross found Watt at the back post, but the striker could not divert the cross on target. Despite dominating the game, the hosts knew that a second goal would be pivotal for killing off any hope of an Airdrie comeback. Wilson withdrew goalscorer Stanway to a standing ovation with twenty minutes to play. The academy graduate produced an outstanding performance from midfield and may merit a Premiership move come the summer. Fitzpatrick threatened again with ten minutes to play, a whipped cross to the back post found the onrushing Daniel O’Reilly, who could only volley over from close range. The hosts closed out the game, reducing the gap at the top of the table to three points. It may have been an uncomfortable scoreline for Wilson to endure, but the victory was all that mattered. Airdrie remain in ninth, all in all, it was an afternoon to forget for the dismal diamonds. Partick Thistle: Clarke 6 Reading 6 Ashcroft 6 Smyth 6 Samuel 6 Chalmers 7 (56’) O’Reilly 6 McPherson 6 Stanway 8 (67’) Watt 6 Lets’osa 7 (83’) Substitutes: Fitzpatrick 6 (56’) Crawford 6 (67’) Turner 4 (83’) Airdrieonians: Stone 6 MacDonald 6 Strapp 6 McMaster 6 Mochrie 5 (79’)Henderson 6 McArthur 6 Thomas 6 (58’) Ross 6 McGrattan 5 (79’) Barjonas 4 (58’) Substitutes: Gallagher 6 (58’) McKinnon 6 (58’) Telfer 3 (79’) Mahon 3 (79’) Attendance: 3984
