SPL awaits Lambie's superior performers

Partick Thistle 3 Falkirk 0 Partick Thistle provided an impressive performance yesterday for the curious eyes of Rangers' assistant manager Andy Watson and his companion John Greig. No doubt the Ibrox side are not nearly as meek as struggling Falkirk but there was food for thought for the Rangers duo ahead of next week's Scottish Cup semi-final clash.

Manager John Lambie's delight was heightened with news of Airdrie's stuttering draw with Clyde, but for now Lambie is just happy to look forward to next Sunday. "I'll come out with a big cigar and just sit back and enjoy it," he said of his club's upcoming Hampden appearance.

More entertaining than the opening exchanges were the fans as they constantly berated each other possibly encouraged by the lack of action on offer early on. There were more than the fair share of grizzlies and comedians but the defeated side would have little to laugh about. Thistle have their new stand built and ready for action in the Premier but they need wins as did Falkirk for the less than glamourous rise out of relegation trouble.

The first chance took 20 minutes to arrive. A long ball from Falkirk's McQuilkens was knocked down by teenager Miller but Kerr snatched at the bouncing ball and his volley flew wide.

There was further entertainment tellingly off the pitch as Lambie and Alex Totten, two grand old masters of management, buzzed emphatically around their technical enclosure.

Andy Lawrie produced a moment that would have pleased Totten as he surged forward and hit a 30-yard drive, but it was well saved by Budinauckas.

It was somewhat unfair then when, eight minutes from the break, Thistle broke through. Alex Burns sneaked in on the left flank and the debate was whether he or Bairns defender Steven Rennie had the final touch. No matter ,they were a goal down.

There was continued pressure from the Jags upon the restart and it was to pay dividends almost immediately. Striker Martin Cameron caused a panic in the Falkirk penalty box just two minutes in before the ball broke for Burns to sweep home Partick's second with his right foot.

That raised the tension in the away dugout as well as the away stand. An impressive travelling support had headed for Maryhill desperate for a result but with the youngest squad in the first division, Totton's side were expected to succumb. Lambie had moulded a side of experience and finesse and they were far more impressive than in recent weeks.

They confirmed their superiority with 20 minutes to spare. Burns speared a 30-yard pass to Kelly who laid the ball on a plate for McLean to score the final goal of the game.

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