BLAIR SPITTAL conjured up an early candidate for goal of the season as Partick Thistle recovered from going behind twice to seal a vital victory.
Trailing to Stephen Dobbie’s 21st goal of the season and then Josh Todd’s strike, Spittal set up Kris Doolan and then scored two goals, the second of which was not only magnificent but decisive.
From 25 yards he smashed an unsaveable left-foot shot into the top-right corner, four minutes before half-time.
Thrilled manager Alan Archibald said: “It was a tremendous strike from Blair.
“All of our goals were good but we have told the lads that we gave two goals away.
“If we can just stop the mistakes we have guys in the team that can score.
“We can’t keep getting into situations where we need to come back. Other teams are not working for their goals.
“But we showed great character to come back – twice – so I’m delighted for the boys.”
There were only three minutes played when Dobbie’s extraordinary scoring streak continued as he clinically drove a low shot from the edge of the box past Cammy Bell having been set up by Andy Stirling.
Patient Thistle levelled in 32 minutes when Spittal teed up Kris Doolan after taking receipt of a terrific pass from Sean McGinty.
Carelessly, Thistle were caught on the break two minutes later when Gary Harkins set up Josh Todd who produced a fine left-foot finish.
However, good work by Doolan and then Christie Elliott allowed Spittal to drive home a second leveller in 38 minutes.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived three minutes later when Spittal cut in from the right and produced his moment of magic.
Queens manager Gary Naysmith said: "Their third goal was a fantastic strike and I don’t think there was much we could do about that.
“If he hits it another nine times it’s not going in – so it was just one of these things.
“We scored two goals in the first half but we were actually better in the second half, even if we didn’t create enough clear-cut chances.
“It’s very hard to be critical of the players because we played well for about 75 minutes.
“The players have been fantastic but it’s just a wee reminder that if we switch off or make the wrong decision teams in this league can punish you.”
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