ALAN ARCHIBALD hopes Partick Thistle can rise to the challenge and follow Ross County's lead after they threw down the relegation gauntlet on Saturday.

The Staggies extended their winning run to four matches as Craig Curran netted the only goal of the game in the Highlands to leave Thistle reeling once again.

Defeat in Dingwall means Archibald's side are just four points clear of County in the Premiership standings, while Motherwell also edged closer as they drew at home to Kilmarnock.

The Jags still remain in the box seat at the foot of the standings as they look to take significant steps towards top-flight safety against St Johnstone and Inverness Caley in the coming weeks.

A lack of consistency has cost Thistle dear this term, but Archibald hopes they can make the most of their advantage and ensure there won't be a nervy end to the season.

He said: "We are frustrated and disappointed after Saturday because we wanted to back up the positive result against Dundee United at Tannadice with another win.

"I thought we deserved a point in the game, but it wasn't to be. There was nothing in the match, but the first goal proved vital.

"Everybody can beat everybody in this league and there is no reason why we can't go on a run. It is something we haven't done yet, though.

"We have two home games coming up that we are looking to take points from and it is two great chances to do it.

"County have laid the marker down for the other teams at the bottom of the league and have won four-in-a-row. We need to try and find a consistent run of form.

"We haven't put a run like that together, but we have a bit of a gap and we don't want to let that advantage get smaller.

"We need to play well, get the points and get over the line rather than feeling the pressure. We have to build on the points we have and stay at the top of that mini-league."