Kirrie Thistle picked up three massive points in the fight to avoid relegation at the weekend, beating fellow relegation rivals Livingston United 2-1 and ending their own 11 game baron run without a victory. Thistle went into the game with an almost fully fit squad, Kris Morrice the only absentee but it was the visitors who almost took an early lead. Jaconelli rose highest to nod a cross from the left towards goal but the reliable Stewart gathered comfortably. A cross by Craig Logan brought about Kirrie's first chance, Gary Archibald meeting the ball with a solid downwards header that was palmed away by the Livi goalkeeper.
Another good cross by Logan caused more confusion in the oppositions box but yet again the hosts were denied by D.Dolan, tipping Stewart Russell's header over. However the deadlock was broken minutes later by Russell, firing home from inside the box after a Logan free kick had been spilled by the keeper under pressure from Steven Archibald. Livingston had a massive chance to level on 38 minutes but giant centre back Forbes could only divert Drummond's free kick over the bar from 6 yards. And should have went in at half time with a 1-1 score but failed to capitalise again when after rounding keeper Stewart, Key hesitated allowing the big man to recover and scramble to clear.
The second half began as the first had finished, with Livingston on the up and after being played through on goal Jaconelli comfortably skipped past the onrushing Stewart and fired into the unguarded net for their deserved leveller. But Kirrie responded well, knowing nothing but a win would do and retook the lead midway through the half. Robert Smith's lofted free kick finding trialist S.Archibald who fired a scrumptious volley into the top right corner from all of 12 yards.
Livingston also fighting for points rallied and began to press for an equaliser, and after the ball broke kindly for Burns it looked like they'd re-level the game but a confident block by Stewart denied his long range volley. And Stewart was busy again seconds later when after a goalmouth scramble he incredibly tipped a close range Murphy effort past the post. Kirrie had one more chance to seal the win but goalscorer S.Archibald could only divert Logan's inviting cross high and wide.
A win that certainly looks to have come too late for Thistle's survival chances but hey, footballs a funny old game!