PARTICK THISTLE’s winless start to the league season continued at Firhill as a second-half Greg Stewart goal was enough for Dundee to take all three points. Alan Archibald’s side dominated for long spells but couldn’t turn that possession into goals, the Jags striking the woodwork three times in a frustrating afternoon.

Thistle have scored just two goals now from seven league games and remain in bother at the wrong end of the Premiership table. Dundee rode their luck at times but the win ensures they remain in the top six and looking up rather than down.

The manner in which Thistle had started the game had suggested they were of a mood to atone for previous failings. Instead, the first half was another case of so close yet so far as they struck the crossbar, pranged a post and missed a few other half-chances.

Mustapha Dumbaya and Robbie Muirhead were both given debuts and the pair were involved in the first move of the match after five minutes. Dumbaya’s cross wasn’t properly cleared presenting Muirhead with a golden chance to open his account after just five minutes. Instead, the on-loan Dundee United player could only shoot straight at Scott Bain in the Dundee goal.

Thistle came again moments later, Muirhead playing in Kris Doolan who screwed his shot wide of target before the striker was denied again when a spectacular overhead kick cannoned against the bar. Before the half was out, Ryan Stevenson had advanced into a promising position only to whack a shot against the post.

Dundee had been second best for much of the encounter but should have taken advantage of a Thistle defensive mix-up to forge in front, Nicky Low somehow shooting wide after being picked out by Nick Ross.

The second half was evenly-competed. Gary Irvine unleashed a fierce shot for Dundee that Tomas Cerny did well to tip over before Thistle, through Stevenson, struck the crossbar again, this time with a header.

Eventually one bit of class after 77 minutes made the difference. Stewart was allowed to run from his own half – defender Liam Lindsay couldn’t dispossess him – before opening his body and curling a shot into the far corner. Dundee should have had a second – Stewart and Rory Loy made a mess of it, Loy eventually given offside – but one goal was enough to ensure more misery on Maryhill tonight.

Partick Thistle: Cerny; Dumbuya, Frans, Lindsay, Booth; Bannigan, Osman; Muirhead (Welsh 83), Stevenson (McDaid 78), Lawless (Amoo 71); Doolan

Booked: None

Dundee: Bain; McGinn, Konrad, McPake (Extabeguren 22), Irvine; Harkins (Loy 69), Thomson; Ross, Stewart, Low (Calder 62); HemmingsBooked: None

Scorers: Stewart 77

Referee: Willie Collum