Partick Thistle came from behind to beat Dunfermline Athletic 2-1 and win their Scottish Premiership play-off semi-final 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a final against St Mirren over two legs next week.
Charlie Gilmour put Dunfermline ahead in the first half, but Partick Thistle answered after the break through Logan Chalmers and then Alex Samuel, whose goal sealed a place in the play-off final. The turnaround completed a tie that had been level at 1-1 after Tuesday's first leg.
The night carried real weight for Partick Thistle because the season was on the line and the margin for error was gone. Manager Mark Wilson said his side did not want the campaign to end in a whimper and admitted he had to make tough calls at half-time after Dunfermline started strongly. He later praised the reaction from his players, saying they showed spark and energy and that the goals may have been fortuitous, adding that the club had recruited well.
Wilson now turns his attention to St Mirren, whom he described as a good side with real strength, while stressing that his own team are confident in how they do things. The final will be played over two legs and will decide whether Partick Thistle take the last step toward promotion to the Scottish Premiership.
For Dunfermline, the defeat ends one path but not their season. Neil Lennon's side still have the Scottish Cup final against Celtic to come, a separate chance to finish the campaign with something tangible after missing out in the league play-offs.
Samuel said the occasion felt incredible for the club and that the night was not over yet, with a final still to look forward to. For Partick Thistle, the message was clear: they survived the semi-final, found a way back when they trailed on the night and in the tie, and now have St Mirren in front of them. Sportscene will have highlights of next week's Premiership play-off final.
