Partick Thistle 0-1 Raith Rovers: Euan Murray seals victory for visitors
- Published
Watch: Murray heads winner for Raith at Partick
Raith Rovers moved a point behind Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United with a hard-fought victory against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
Euan Murray connected with ex-Thistle playmaker Kyle Turner's fine delivery and David Mitchell could only palm the defender's header into his net.
Harry Milne hit the post with an added-time header for Thistle, who had more of the game and the better chances.
However Raith generally defended their box brilliantly to seal the key win.
Scott Robinson volleyed over and Brian Graham also had chances with two headers as Thistle probed for an equaliser in the second half.
Aidan Connolly hit the top of the net as the visitors sought the cushion of a second.
But with Scott Brown outstanding at the back, they held on for a victory that puts pressure on United before their game at Dunfermline live on BBC Scotland on Friday.
Partick stay third, three points clear of Saturday's visitors Greenock Morton but having played a game more.
What they said
Rovers manager Ian Murray told BBC Scotland: "Towards the end, Partick did put us under pressure but we had our chances as well.
"Clean sheets are so, so important. This is the time of the season to pick them up. For us, it's about hanging on to Dundee United. Defensive performances like we put in are very welcome.
"We know there are bumps in the road to come, there are loads of twists along the way, but we're chalking the games off."
Thistle manager Kris Doolan said: "It's a real tough one. The first goal in any Championship game is vital. It felt like their goal was their first chance of the evening.
"We threw the kitchen sink at Raith right at the end. It just felt like one of those nights where nothing was landing. When it's going against you, it's going against you.
"We know we were the better side. It's a sore one, but you don't have time to dwell on things. We have to be resilient and come back stronger."