The Thistle Archive

Media report

George O'Neill, 25-May-2026, bbc.com

Marcus Fraser's emphatic volley secured St Mirren's top-flight status as they edged out Partick Thistle in the second leg of the Scottish Premiership play-off final. After last week's 1-1 draw at Firhill, there was obvious tension in Paisley in the first half, particularly from the hosts, who struggled to create any clear-cut chances. However, Craig McLeish's side improved after the break and hit the front both on the night and on aggregate as Fraser arrived at the back post to convert Mark O'Hara's free-kick. There was a nervy wait while the officials checked for a potential offside, but there was sheer joy among the home fans when it was allowed to stand. The visitors had chances before and after Fraser's goal, but were thwarted by St Mirren's emergency loan goalkeeper Ross Sinclair. Alex Samuel's excellent turn and shot was parried to safety, while Logan Chalmers' powerful free-kick was tipped over the bar. Mark Wilson's side continued to ask questions of the home defence right until the end, but the Paisley outfit stood firm to keep a clean sheet and they could have added a late second when Dan Nlundulu's goal-bound shot was well blocked. After a hugely disappointing finish to the regular season, St Mirren end on a high and the relief from the home players and support was palpable on the full-time whistle. Their aggregate victory means this season will be remembered more for December's League Cup triumph than their indifferent league form. Thistle meanwhile have now failed in the play-offs in five consecutive seasons having last played in the Premiership in 2018.

Since the jubilation at Hampden in the League Cup final, it has been a difficult campaign for St Mirren. They won just four league matches in 2026, unable to avoid the play-off spot. However, when it mattered most, two of the club's senior players delivered two moments of quality to break the deadlock. O'Hara - introduced from the bench due to a knock - swung a delightful cross towards the far post, and Fraser timed his run to perfection before firing home via the crossbar. A mention too for goalkeeper Sinclair, signed on an emergency loan from St Johnstone last month after injuries to Shamal George and Ryan Mullen. He stood up with several saves on a night where fine margins delivered a result of vital importance. There is plenty of work to do for St Mirren in the off season, in particular whether interim boss McLeish is appointed on a permanent basis, but those conversations will wait until after the celebrations die down. The ecstasy from most in the ground was in stark contrast to those in the away end, with many in tears as Thistle supporters endured a familiar sinking feeling. They were the better side in the first half, but failed to convert some tidy passing play into clear sights of goal. Aidan Fitzpatrick had a shot deflected wide, while Robbie Crawford headed wide before shooting at Sinclair. It was a more even contest in the second period, but where Fraser found the back of the net, no-one in red and yellow was able to do so. There were huge shouts for a penalty in second-half stoppage time as Gary Mackay-Steven went to ground, but replays showed defender Miguel Freckleton got the ball. Thistle did force a free-kick on the edge of the box for the final kick of the game, but Kyle Turner's effort went straight into the wall.

Reaction

Thistle manager Mark Wilson:

It's really raw. What we put in tonight, both legs, the full season, and it ends just like that. There's been a real connection with the fanbase, you see the ovation they get at the end. I couldn't be prouder. I think it's the best group I've ever been involved in. I was pretty relaxed coming into the game. We just weren't clinical enough. We dealt with [set-pieces] so well apart from [the winning goal]. That's the fine margins that can cost you. Football's cruel. We have to go again.

St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish:

I'm delighted for the players and the fans. The remit when I took over the role was to stay in the league. We wanted to make sure the players were remembered as legends at this club after winning the League Cup. We didn't want that black mark against our name. First half was nervy, cagey and full of mistakes. It wasn't really tactical, just us controlling our emotions. We did that better in the second half. Our bench was a strength. When Partick started to tire we brought on fresh legs, who saw us over the line.

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