Another much changed Tannahill side lined up for this one, looking to put their first points on the board this season after two poor results to start the campaign.

Tannahill started very brightly and took the lead after only five minutes. Colin Forbes, making a rare appearance up front, latched on to a fine through ball from John Campbell before firing it into the corner.

The home side crept back into the match and posted a warning, producing a good stop from Tans keeper Craig Glen, then missing a great chance when they failed to hit the target from close range. Soon after though they were level, firing home after a decent passing move.

Tans seemed to be toiling at this point, but with 35 minutes gone, they produced a stunning goal to reclaim the lead. Full back, Chris Dunbar fired a perfect pass to Campbell who turned and played the ball to Frazer Martin on the right. Martin then unleashed an unstoppable first time shot from the angle of the box which nestled in the far corner of the net.

Within five minutes, Tannahill went two goals ahead. Graham Morrison beat the Thistle offside trap on the halfway line to latch on to a fine through ball from Ian Davidson. The midfielder took a touch then fired the ball past the keeper from 16 yards. Morrison came close shortly after when he fired just over from the edge of the box after linking up well with Forbes.

HALF TIME 1-3

Tannahill started the second half in a sluggish fashion as the hosts looked to get back into the match. Before long, Thistle deservedly pulled a goal back as the number 8 stole in at the back post to volley home a cross from close range. Tans didn't heed the wake up call and continued to struggle until Gary Burns ran on to a long pass from Dunbar and looped a shot over the Thistle keeper's head to put Tans two goals ahead again.

This seemed to settle Tans as after this they played with much more confidence and composure. They extended their lead when the tireless Forbes cut in onto his right foot and angled a low shot into the far corner. Burns claimed his second of the match soon after with a fizzing drive from the left angle of the box putting the match well out of reach of the hosts.

Tans should have seen out the remainder of the match comfortably, but lost two late goals to take the shine off the result. The first of those came when a Thistle midfielder burst through the Tans midfield and held off Morrison's challenge as he fired at goal. Glen did well to stop the effort but the rebound was steered into the Tans net. The scoring was rounded off with a dubious penalty award.

This wasn't a vintage performance from Tannahill and should have been far more comfortable, but they earned a welcome and important three points to kick start their season.

Tannahill (4-4-2)
Glen, Dunbar, Davidson, Muirhead, Lyons, Burns, Watt, Morrison
F Martin, Forbes, Campbell (M Montgomery)