Partick Thistle manager Jackie McNamara is confident his side are moving in the right direction after an improved pre-season showing.

Having lost 2-0 to Blyth Spartans a week previously as Thistle ended their English training camp on a disappointing note, McNamara took charge of his first game as Jags boss in Scotland against Fleetwood Town in a behind-closed-doors meeting at Grange- mouth.

A Tommy Stewart goal early in the second half was enough to ensure there would be no back-to-back defeats to kick off Thistle's pre-season preparations and McNamara was pleased with the 1-0 success.

He said: "It was night and day from last week. You could see that the boys are getting fitter. Fleetwood made a good start, they are a decent side and made it difficult for us early on. I was very happy with how we responded.

"We passed the ball better, we looked dangerous and looked like we could score goals. Their keeper had to make a couple of saves before we got our goal.

"It was a good test of our fitness and there were a few tackles going in as well. A lot of things pleased me."

McNamara was again able to give every member of his squad vital game time as he attempts to get them fighting fit for the new campaign.

The only downside of the afternoon was a knock sustained to Alan Archibald, with Thistle set to monitor his pro-gress after he was substituted at half-time with a knee complaint.

New Jags Johnny Lindsay and Aaron Sinclair both featured and there was also an outing for Declan Gallagher, the former Celtic defender, who played the full game as a trialist.

McNamara said: "I would like to have another look at him. He was quite composed on the ball and he did well. He is a young lad, as most of the players are in our first team. I can see things I want him to do and take on board. Sometimes doing things the simple way is the most effective.

"He has come into a position which we have to try and strengthen. We do need cover at the back so we will see what happens."

Next on the agenda for Thistle is Wednesday's friendly with Motherwell at Fir Park.

The game is a testimonial for former Jags defender and current Well captain Stephen Craigan, and McNamara hopes it will be a worthwhile exercise for his players.

"We have games with Motherwell, Celtic and Dumbarton coming up in quick succession and that will help us to keep building our fitness," he said.

"We have got a good game on Wednesday night. Although it is a testimonial, we will be taking it seriously. It will give the lads a chance to go and keep building their fitness.

"Both teams will be treating like a competitive friendly to get themselves ready for the season."