CONRAD BALATONI hopes he and Dan Seaborne can be the foundation on which Partick Thistle build their Premiership top-six challenge this season.

The defensive duo have formed a solid partnership in the opening weeks of the campaign and were impressive on Saturday as Alan Archibald's side beat Motherwell 3-1.

Only a stunning long-range effort from Lionel Ainsworth denied the Firhill rearguard, and keeper Scott Fox, a clean-sheet at Firhill as Thistle moved up to seventh place in the standings.

Seaborne has caught the eye since making the move from Coventry City in the summer, with the 27-year-old one of the Jags' most consistent performers this season.

The stopper's defensive partner, Balatoni said: "Dan has played at the highest level and it is beneficial for me having him alongside. He strolls through games and has been excellent for us.

"There have been a couple of times where he has had to go off injured and the team has looked a bit shaky.

"I am happy playing with him. Hopefully we can get better and form a formidable partnership.

"We want to build a base for our forwards to go and play. Everyone knows we like to play football but there are times when we need to defend and be smart.

"Dan brings that bit of experience and we are pleased to have him.

"Hopefully the two of us can keep improving together and do well for the team."