As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated second leg of the Premiership play-off quarter-final, Partick Thistle finds itself in a challenging position against Ayr United. With a narrow 1-0 deficit to overturn, the Jags are set to take the field at Somerset Park on the evening of Friday, May 9, 2025, in hopes of securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The first leg, held at Firhill, saw Ayr United's Jamie Murphy score the only goal of the match with a header in the second half, leaving Thistle with a mountain to climb. Brian Graham, who is co-managing the team alongside Mark Wilson on an interim basis, has urged his players to shed any inhibitions and play with confidence. "Let's be honest with ourselves, it's been the case all season," Graham said, acknowledging the team's struggles to create scoring opportunities. "We need to be better at the top end of the pitch in regards to the wider areas, our full-backs getting higher up, putting balls into the box - we need more of it. We can't be sitting back and hoping something happens at the top end of the pitch. We need to go make it happen and that's what's going to need to happen tomorrow night."
Tickets for the crucial match are still available, with prices set at £22 for adults, £15 for concessions, and £6 for children under 13. Disabled and ambulant supporters requiring a carer can obtain one free carer ticket by calling the club shop. It's important to note that all tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there will be no cash gates at Somerset Park.
Graham's sentiments were echoed by veteran midfielder Robbie Crawford, who reflected on a controversial penalty claim from the first leg. "I thought it was a stonewaller to be honest," Crawford remarked, referring to a challenge he faced in the box. Despite the disappointment from that match, he remains optimistic about their chances in the return fixture. "Everybody has just got to muck in together, staff, players - everybody round about the club. Everybody is together and we’re going to have a right go for it," he stated, emphasizing the need for the team to rally together despite being light on numbers.
Thistle's squad has faced challenges with injuries, particularly with key players like Logan Chalmers missing from the lineup. Graham confirmed that Chalmers has a 50-50 chance of being fit for the match, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team's availability. "He could be, he could be, but he might not be," Graham said with a grin, keeping his cards close to his chest.
As the Jags prepare to take the field, Graham's message to his players is clear: relax and play freely. "We've done our role, we got them to the play-offs. That's why we're now trying to explain to the players the shackles should be off, there's no pressure on them. Let's go and express ourselves, let's go and play on the front foot, and let's go and get after Ayr United," he urged.
On the other side of the pitch, Ayr United's management team, led by Scott Brown and Steven Whittaker, is well aware of the stakes. With a slim lead to protect, they must decide whether to defend their advantage or push for more goals. Jamie Murphy, who scored the crucial goal in the first leg, emphasized the importance of preparation. "They have a different game plan each week," he noted, hinting at the strategies that Ayr will employ to maintain their lead.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere at Somerset Park is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans eager to support their teams. Graham and his players understand the significance of this clash, knowing that a draw is not enough; only a victory will suffice to keep their promotion hopes alive. "We need to go there and win," Crawford asserted, acknowledging the challenge of playing away from home.
Thistle's recent performances have been a mixed bag, with their attacking prowess under scrutiny. In their last few matches, including a 2-1 victory over Falkirk and a 1-0 win against Livingston, the team has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, managing only two shots on target in the previous game. Graham believes that by playing with more urgency and creativity, Thistle can turn their fortunes around. "We want to approach the game in a better manner, take that extra touch, show composure on the ball, a calmness and a bravery on the ball to really go and play at times," he explained.
Looking ahead, the winner of this quarter-final tie will face Livingston in the semi-finals, who are preparing to capitalize on their rest following a disappointing end to their Championship season. Skipper Jamie Brandon expressed confidence in his team's ability to seize the opportunity for promotion, emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared and taking advantage of the break.
As the tension builds and the kick-off time approaches, both teams know that this match could define their season. For Partick Thistle, it's a chance to overturn the odds and extend their playoff journey. For Ayr United, it's about holding their nerve and advancing to the next stage. With everything on the line, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Somerset Park, where the stakes couldn't be higher.
