Partick Thistle strikers Steven Lawless & Christie Elliot have Jags boss walking on Ayr

Jul 17 2012 By Fraser Wilson

JACKIE McNAMARA heaped praise on Firhill frontmen Steven Lawless and Christie Elliot after the duo continued their pre-season goalscoring spree against Ayr United.

Thistle brushed aside Mark Roberts' side 4-1 at Somerset Park last night with a performance which has filled the Jags management team with hope ahead of this weekend's ARR Craib Cup.

Summer signing Lawless hit a second half double taking his tally to three in two matches while Elliot, pictured, rounded off the rout with a late strike - his second in as many matches.

Another new signing Sean Welsh fired the Jags into an eighth minute lead before the Honest Men equalised after 34 minutes when Joel Kasubandi shot past Scott Fox.

And that was to be the only blemish on an excellent night for the Maryhill men.

McNamara said: "We were fairly comfortable and the performance, which was the most important aspect, was very pleasing.

"We lost a sloppy goal but, that apart, they never really caused us problems. We looked good and I'm pleased with the way the squad is shaping up.

"Steven Lawless added another two goals and is looking really sharp. He has settled in well.

"Christie has also now scored two in two games and that's pleasing because his confidence dipped a bit towards the end of last season after getting off to a good start.

"We have plenty of options up front which is pleasing and we still have Kris Doolan to come back in after he picked up a little knock."