STUART BANNIGAN today thanked the Firhill faithful for standing by Partick Thistle during their long barren home run.

Alan Archibald's side ended their Maryhill hoodoo in style on Saturday as they claimed a 3-1 win over Aberdeen to climb to 10th in the table.

The Jags had gone 13 SPFL Premiership fixtures at Firhill without a win before a Conrad Balatoni strike and Lyle Taylor double saw them defeat the Dons.

And Bannigan is delighted Thistle were able to reward the home crowd with three points.

He said: "It has been a long time coming and we have been working hard all year trying to get it.

"We have played well in the games at home and the difference on Saturday was that we took our chances when we had to and managed to see it out.

"The fans have been great for us and they have kept coming out in numbers even though we haven't been winning, it is great to give them something to cheer about at Firhill.

"I am sure they would have enjoyed the game on Saturday."

It has been a frustrating campaign for Thistle and their fans so far this term, with a number of points slipping through their grasp as leads have been squandered late on in games.

And Bannigan was relieved Archibald's side didn't suffer another second-half collapse after Adam Rooney reduced the Dons' deficit on Saturday.

He said: "We have been a bit naive at times and been making too many mistakes in games.

"We made it harder for ourselves when we got 2-0 up and conceded not long after but thankfully it didn't cost us and we got over the line.

"It has happened a few times that we have been ahead and not seen the game out, obviously the Motherwell game stands out.

"They scored almost right away but thankfully Lyle got the third and that was a big bonus.

"If that hadn't happened, they would have got a lift and the pressure would have built on us.

"We could have won by more but Aberdeen are a good team and we are just happy to win."

After ending their shocking home form to go above St Mirren in the table, Thistle head to fellow relegation battlers Ross County on Saturday aiming to record back-to-back wins for the first time this term.

And Bannigan is eager to keep up the momentum as they battle to beat the drop.

He said: "It is only one result for us and we have a big game up at Ross County on Saturday.

"It is another huge one for us, both of us are near the bottom of the league and looking to move up the table if we can.

"We want to get another positive result and build on our recent performances.

"There is still a long way to go, we have another few games before the split and then five huge games after that.

"We will train well this week and we are looking forward to going there and hoping to get another three points."