GEORGE OAKLEY kept Ayr United firmly in the Championship title hunt with a lethal display of Somerset Park finishing.
The former Morton striker took his tally for the season to 14 as his first half double sent United on the way to another three points against Partick.
Ayr survived a late scare after Harry Milne cut the deficit following Nick McAllister’s 76th minute red card. But they held on to remain hot on the heels of league leaders Falkirk.
Boss Scott Brown had included new signing Curtis Main on the bench after the striker completed his move to Somerset Park this lunchtime upon his release from Dundee.
Ben Dempsey, Connor McLennan and George Stanger also returned following the 8-0 cup rout at Broxburn last week. And it was a first half of dominance from Ayr in which they deservedly took a two goal lead courtesy of two fine finishes from Oakley.
He bulleted home a 19th minute header when meeting a perfect cross from the right by McLennan which was just reward for Ayr’s bright start.
Jamie Murphy then missed a good chance to double the lead when he received a great drilled pass from Jay Henderson but sent his effort over the top.
But Ayr were delayed only briefly in their charge and Oakley pounced again to plant a brilliant header past David Mitchell when pulling off his marker at the backpost to meet Henderson’s centre.
Thistle attempted to force a way back into the game through a flurry of second half changes, but a Milne volley which flew over the top was the best of their efforts before the game burst to life in the closing stages..
McAllister received his marching orders with a straight red after clashing with Milne near the halfway line – ref Peter Stuart judging the Ayr man had gone in late – and United were forced into a reshuffle for the last 15 minutes.
Milne set up a grandstand last few minutes when forcing home a rebound after Harry Stone had saved from sub Ben Stanway, but Ayr were able to see it out for a deserved three points.