Motherwell 0-0 Partick Thistle

Motherwell prepared for the Premiership play-off final against Rangers with a goalless draw against Partick Thistle.

Gary Fraser's shot saved by Well goalkeeper Dan Twardzik was the best effort of the first half.

Kallum Higginbotham and Calum Booth threatened for the Jags after the break.

John Sutton had two chances for the hosts in the second half, having a free-kick saved then firing wide from a promising position.

Second-bottom Motherwell's place in the final had been confirmed last weekend but it was only shortly before kick-off in Lanarkshire that Rangers secured their place by beating Hibernian 2-1 on aggregate.

Steelmen boss Ian Baraclough made nine changes to his starting line-up ahead of Thursday's first leg, Simon Ramsden and Conor Grant the only two players to keep their place.

Josh Law (left) could face brother Nicky in Motherwell's play-off final against Rangers

Thistle boss Alan Archibald also took the opportunity to rest players and gave 20-year-old Jack Hendry his debut with former Tamworth defender Ben Richards-Everton also making his first start for the club.

The home side started the match on the front foot with a number of crosses into the box but failing to cause the Thistle defence too many problems.

The Jags' best effort in the first half came from Fraser who warmed the palms of Twardzik from 25 yards.

The match had a typical end-of-season feel with lots of endeavour but few clear cut opportunities.

Motherwell captain for the day Sutton was denied by Fox from 22 yards with the goalkeeper diving low to his left to block the set-piece effort.

And with the clock ticking towards full-time the home side passed up what proved to be the best chance of the game.

Craig Moore evaded the attention of the Jags defence and cut the ball back towards Sutton. The striker looked destined to score but was leaning back and fired his shot wide.

Baraclough's men will hope for better in their double-header against Rangers, as the Fir Park side seek to avoid relegation and extend their 28-year stay in Scotland's top flight.

Thistle players take the acclaim of the travelling fans at full-time