The Scottish Premiership play-offs kick off on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, as Partick Thistle host Ayr United in the first leg of their quarter-final matchup at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow. This highly anticipated clash marks the beginning of a two-legged battle for promotion, with the winner set to face Livingston in the semi-finals next week.
Partick Thistle, co-managed by player-coach Brian Graham and Mark Wilson, enters this tie with a sense of momentum after finishing the season strongly. They secured their playoff spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Livingston on May 2, a match that was particularly meaningful for midfielder Ben Stanway, who played his first full 90 minutes of the season. “I mentioned the other night after the game that Ben's still got a lot of learning to do in regards to his positional sense,” Graham said during a press conference. “His enthusiasm for the game is excellent.”
Despite finishing eight points behind Ayr in the Championship standings, Partick is favored to win this first leg, with betting odds set at 2/1. This is surprising given Ayr's third-place finish in the league, but Thistle’s recent form has been impressive, with five wins in their last eleven matches since appointing Graham and Wilson as co-interim managers.
Ayr United, managed by former Celtic captain Scott Brown, comes into this match with a solid record but has struggled in recent weeks, managing only two wins from their last nine fixtures. They finished the league campaign with 63 points, ten points behind champions Falkirk, and were able to rest several key players in their recent win over Airdrieonians, having already secured their playoff berth. Brown’s side is aiming to return to the Premiership for the first time in 46 years, while Partick has not tasted top-flight football since their relegation in 2018.
The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was two years ago when Partick Thistle triumphed over Ayr United 8-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals. However, this time, the dynamics are different. Ayr is slightly favored due to their superior league finish and the fact they were able to manage their squad better in the final weeks of the season.
“We’re getting into it in good momentum, we beat the champions so we’re not fearing anybody,” Graham stated, emphasizing the importance of the home crowd at Firhill. “The crowd will play a big part in that, running out to the red and yellow and bringing as much noise as possible.” This home advantage could be crucial for Thistle as they seek to establish a lead ahead of the second leg, which is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025.
In terms of head-to-head statistics, Partick Thistle has performed well against Ayr in recent encounters, losing just one of the last 13 meetings. They secured a 2-0 victory when they hosted Ayr in March, further boosting their confidence going into this pivotal playoff match.
Ben Stanway, who was an extra-time substitute in last year’s playoff defeat to Raith Rovers, is using that painful experience as motivation. “It’s definitely a feeling that sticks, but it’s definitely not a negative one,” Stanway said. “I think using that as motivation is a good thing to do.” His determination to avoid a similar fate this season could be a key factor in Thistle’s performance.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner will not only advance in the playoffs but also take a significant step toward returning to the Scottish top flight. With both sides boasting passionate fanbases and a rich history, the atmosphere at Firhill is expected to be electric.
Fans can catch the action live on BBC Scotland, with coverage starting at 7:30 PM BST, ahead of the 7:45 PM kick-off. The match will also be available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer app and the BBC Sport website.
As the players take to the pitch, all eyes will be on whether Partick Thistle can leverage their home advantage and recent form to secure a vital first-leg win, or if Ayr United will rise to the occasion and assert their dominance in the playoff race. With the pressure mounting and the promise of promotion hanging in the balance, this is shaping up to be a thrilling playoff encounter.
