Division One: Partick Thistle 2 Inverness Caley Thistle 1

Nov 30 2009 By Fraser Wilson

Jamie Adams

STEVE LOVELL celebrated his first 90 minutes in six months with the match winning goal which thrust Partick right back into the promotion chase.

Lovell proved he's lost none of his sharpness when he raced onto a Simon Donnelly flick to hammer beyond Ryan Esson and secure three precious points for Ian McCall's men.

And the 28-year-old's strike couldn't have been better timed as the Jags prepare to welcome his old side - and first division favourites - Dundee to Firhill next Saturday for what promises to be a barnstormer of a game.

Relishing the prospect Lovell said: "It's another huge game for us and now that I've scored my first goal for Thistle I'd love to get another against Dundee, hopefully the winner."

He continued: "After we had equalised I really felt we could win this one.

"At half-time the boss told us to show them what we were made of and we certainly did that.

"Dundee will have taken note of what we did.

"Actually, that was my first 90 minutes since last season's Scottish Cup Final when I was with Falkirk and I felt a bit tired near the end.

"But I'm pleased with my performance and I'm starting to really enjoy being part of the Partick Thistle set-up."

Should the Jags do to Jocky Scott's team what they did to Terry Butcher's, they could well be on top of the First Division by this time next week if current leaders Queen of the South lose to Caley Thistle at Palmerston.

It's full of ifs and buts but one fact remains, by coming from behind to beat the team from the north on Saturday, Thistle posted warning they are well capable of having a big say in who will win the title.

However, for much of the first half when they were behind, to a Ross Tokely header scored after seven minutes, it looked as though they'd have to play second fiddle to the Highlanders.

Maybe it was something Ian McCall said during the interval but, either way, his team were much more focused after the restart and when Jamie Adams netted with his head in 53 minutes Caley were thrown off track.

And Partick weren't about to settle for a share of the points. They wanted all three and got them thanks to Lovell's clinical strike  in the 68th minute, much to the delight of the home support.

A thrilled McCall said afterwards: "Today's game was the first time this season that we have come from behind and gone on and won a game and I think that is significant.

"The win today certainly sets things up nicely for next Saturday's game against Dundee. That is a match that I hope we can get as many Thistle fans out to as possible."