The Thistle Archive

Media report

NOW WE'RE UP FOUR IT SAYS BAIKIE. DAVE BAIKIE insists he doesn't want to twist the knife into crisis- torn Airdrie. But the Arbroath boss admits they'd gladly take their place in the First Division next season if the Lanarkshire team goes bust. The Diamonds' future will be decided this week and unless a new buyer is found Gary Mackay's men will go out of business. Arbroath's latest win may prove vital as they leapfrogged Thistle into fourth position in the table. The Angus outfit could benefit if the SFL decide to promote another team at Airdrie's expense. Baikie said: “We don't want to wish anything bad on Airdrie but if something does happen we're ready to take advantage. The expectations have been very high because we have been on top for so long. We were in the bottom five for all of last season but this term we've always been in the top five which shows progress has been made.”

Thistle took the lead in 23 minutes when Martin Hardie ran on to a long ball from Ray Montgomerie to head beyond Craig Hinchcliffe. But Arbroath upped the ante after the break with Scott Peters pulling them level after a Robbie Raeside header had been saved by Kenny Arthur. Barry Sellars put them in front after 70 minutes when he robbed Dave Rogers before lobbing Arthur. Paul Brownlie increased the lead 10 minutes from time before Thistle's Dave Rogers was sent off for a second bookable offence. Sub Russell Kelly pulled a goal back for Thistle in the final minute with a low shot which took an awkward bounce and deceived Hinchcliffe.

Jags boss John Lambie said: “Good luck to Arbroath if they do go up because they were the hungrier side. But I doubt if Airdrie will go out of business. We lost bad goals, especially the second one, and after that Rogers lost the place and deserved to be sent off.”

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