A draw was enough for Motherwell to claim top spot in group G and progress into the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup.
For the second time in this competition the Fir Park men faced a penalty shoot-out. Thankfully, the group was decided before Thistle converted three penalties to collect the bonus point.
After converting all five against Montrose, ‘Well were less efficient from the spot this time, with only Ebiye hitting the back of the net, while Seddon, O’Donnell and Wells all missed, as Oxborough’s two saves proved pointless.
With the SPL kick-off next up Stuart Kettlewell possibly considered his line-up with the visit of Ross County next Saturday in mind.
While the ‘Well boss still debated on his first choice ‘keeper, Aston Oxborough was back in goal. And Harry Paton’s long term injury allowed Andy Halliday a midfield spot, while up front Filip Stuparevic was paired with Zach Robinson.
After a brief flurry around the home goal Mason McCready made his first routine save gathering a low shot from Lennon Miller.
The best chance of an opening gaol came at the other end.
From four yards Danny MacKay should have side footed Fitzpatrick’s cross beyond Oxborough. He almost made amends minutes later when his pass across the six yard box slid beyond the stretching Brian Graham.
After 27 minutes the Thistle ‘keeper made two superb save to keep the scores level.
A steady build up ended with Robinson collecting the ball at the edge of the box and his curled shot was heading for the top right-hand corner until McCready leapt to palm the ball against his crossbar before taking a thump from Miller as he tried to no home the rebound.
From Halliday’s corner the ‘keeper produced great reflexes this time palming Liam Gordon’s powerful header over the bar.
Just before half-time Aaron Muirhead’s challenge on Robinson at the edge of the box was ignored by referee David Dickenson, amidst loud claims for a penalty, as the half finished with ‘Well unable to find the opening goal.
The ‘Well boss was hoping that a half-time change would help break the deadlock, with Dylan Wells replacing Stuparevic.
First chance of the half came seven minutes later. Stephen O’Donnell’s cut back found Ewan Wilson but on his wrong foot as he blazed the ball wide of target.
A quick break from the visitor’s found MacKay cutting in from the right wing but Oxborough stood big to block the angled shot.
That gave the Firhill men a lift as they started to press towards the ‘Well goal in search of a goal that would take them to the top of the group.
On the hour mark Marvin Kaleta made his debut as Shane Blaney made way.
With 68 minutes played Wilson curled a tempting ball towards the six yard area. But having found its way to the unmarked Robinson his attempt at a diving header failed miserably. That was the striker’s last chance to find the net as Moses Ebiye was given the opportunity to add to his goal tally.
Best chance, though, came at the opposite end. Mackay opened up the home defence and his cut back to Graham eight yards in front of goal begged a finish and put the visitor’s in the driving seat but the Thistle captain scooped the ball over the bar.
With the prospect of penalties looming Kettlewell sent on Mark Ferrie and Steve Seddon.
And the former Oxford United full back made an immediate impact with a run and cross which found Ebiye in front of goal only to see his header pushed away by McCready.
With neither team able to find a winner the game headed for a penalty decider and earning Thistle a bonus point which was not enough to overtake Motherwell at the top of group G.
