JACKIE McNAMARA insists defeat was harsh on Partick Thistle as they crashed out of the Scottish Communites League Cup.

The Jags suffered their first loss of the season as Ali Crawford struck in stoppage time to condemn them to a 1-0 defeat.

It could have been a different story for McNamara's side if they had converted one of a host of first-half chances, and the Firhill boss admits the result was cruel on his side.

He said: "We didn't deserve that. We were the better team. Their keeper had a good night and it just wasn't our night in front of goal. I am disappointed, but it has taken something special to beat us.

"Our keeper has not had a save to make, but had to pick the ball out the net. It is very frustrating."

Thistle have been swashbuckling in attack so far this season as they have helped themselves to 15 goals in their six competitive outings before last night's trip to Lanarkshire, and it was little surprise to see them assume the ascendancy early on.

While Accies defender Ziggy Gordon failed to test Scott Fox, the Thistle keeper, as he blazed over when clear at the back post, McNamara's side made sure they kept Kevin Cuthbert busy at the other end, with Accies grateful to their No.1 for keeping them in the cup.

First, the former Morton and Ayr United man had to be at full stretch to turn a Chris Erskine effort round his left-hand post before he pulled off another decent stop to prevent Sean Welsh's diving header finding the net. Kris Doolan also saw two efforts fail to make the net ripple as Thistle's pressure grew without reward.

Accies were industrious, but rarely threatening, but it was Billy Reid's side who should have taken the lead on 65 minutes.

Crawford's pass deflected off Aaron Muirhead and into the path of substitute James Keatings but, as the on-loan Celtic youngster raced towards goal, he couldn't compose himself, firing his left-foot shot high and wide.

The same could not be said of his opposite number, with Cuthbert again pulling off a superb save to deny Doolan.

It was to take until the second period of extra time before the net was to bulge, with the home crowd the ones with something to cheer about as Crawford gave Accies the lead in spectacular fashion, his long-range effort dipping over Fox.

Reid said: "The goal was magic. It is a goal fit enough to win any game, the finish was absolutely sublime. I can't ask any more of this young squad. We had to dig really deep, we got pinned back at times. To go 120 minutes with a clean sheet is a big step in the right direction for us."