In a thrilling encounter that showcased the drama of the Scottish Championship, Partick Thistle edged out Falkirk with a late goal, sending shockwaves through the league standings. The match, held on April 25, 2025, was a crucial fixture for both teams, with Falkirk needing a win to secure the league title and Thistle fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.
With Sean Mackie suspended and Coll Donaldson sidelined for the rest of the season, Falkirk manager John McGlynn made significant adjustments to his lineup. Leon McCann was brought in from the cold to occupy the left-back position, while Tom Lang partnered Donaldson in central defense. Up front, Ross MacIver was given the nod over Gary Oliver, despite MacIver's struggles to find the net since a league goal in January against Raith Rovers.
The match kicked off with an early shock for Falkirk. Just six minutes in, Thistle's interim player-boss Brian Graham found himself in the right place at the right time, capitalizing on a defensive blunder from Lang. A poor touch on a back pass from Keelan Adams allowed Aidan Fitzpatrick to set up Graham, who easily slotted the ball past goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth to give Thistle a 1-0 lead.
Despite the setback, Falkirk responded positively. They began to assert their dominance, pushing forward and creating several chances. Calvin Miller, a constant threat throughout the match, was instrumental in Falkirk's attacking play. However, it was a defensive misstep from Thistle that led to a turning point in the first half. Stuart Bannigan received a yellow card for a foul on Miller, and just minutes later, he was shown a second yellow card for a soft push on Tait, leaving Thistle down to ten men.
With the numbers evened out, Falkirk seized the momentum. They camped in Thistle's defensive third, and their pressure finally paid off just before halftime. In the 39th minute, McCann lofted a ball into the box, which MacIver expertly cushioned down to Scott Arfield. The veteran midfielder made no mistake, firing home a half-volley to equalize for Falkirk and sending the traveling fans into a frenzy.
The second half saw Falkirk initially struggle to replicate the intensity they had shown before the break. Thistle, despite being a man down, managed to contain the Bairns, limiting their clear-cut chances. It wasn't until the 65th minute that Falkirk created another significant opportunity, with Ethan Ross firing a curling shot just wide of the post.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams faced yet another twist. Falkirk's Alfredo Agyeman was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Robbie Crawford, leveling the playing field once again. With both teams down to ten men, Falkirk pressed for a late winner, but it was Thistle who would have the last laugh.
In a dramatic finish, Thistle found a late winner in the dying moments of the match. In the 97th minute, substitute Terry Ablade, who had just come on, scored with a gentle header from a set piece, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal sparked a pitch invasion as fans celebrated the crucial 2-1 victory, which put Thistle three points ahead of Raith Rovers in the playoff race.
This result leaves Falkirk in a precarious position. Although they still hold the title in their hands, the pressure is mounting as they have now dropped 11 points in their last five games, raising questions about their form as the season approaches its climax. With Livingston poised to challenge for the top spot, a win for them in their upcoming match could further complicate Falkirk's title aspirations.
As the teams prepare for their next fixtures, Falkirk must regroup and refocus if they want to secure their place in the top flight for the first time since 2010. Meanwhile, Partick Thistle will look to build on their momentum as they face Livingston next week, a match that could prove pivotal in their playoff ambitions.
