Some people might stoop to conquer but this could never be the case for Jamie Mitchell who belied his lack of inches to head the jags to three points against Airdrie.
Unsurprisingly, Owen Coyle a favourite son of most jags fans who appreciate the sterling services he has provided to a number of Scottish League clubs (aye right) only enhanced his reputation as penalty box predator with two goals before Mitch leapt like a salmon to win three deserved points and some relief for the strangely under-pressure Derek Whyte and Gerry Britton.
More importantly a second competitive win at home this season will continue with our hopes of developing Firhill into a fortress this season.
Partick should have taken the lead early doors only for a Kenny Milne effort to be cleared off the line by Jerome Vareille. Airdrie’s response came from Coyle (who else!) who fired wide of Kenny Arthur.
A lovely 15th minute move involving Billy Gibson and Juan Escalas ended with Milne blasting over from 12 yards.
Shortly after Andy Wilkinson did his chances of replacing Andy Dowie permanently no good at all with a short back pass that Coyle latched on to but his shot was well blocked by Kenny Arthur.
The Jags clearly never read the warning signs as Stephen McKeown crossed for Coyle to head home minutes later.
Escalas forced a save from Mark McGeown on the half-hour but minutes later his persistence paid of when he started a move with a pass wide to Milne on the left and when his cross came over the Spanish sensation powered home a superb header.
McGeown, easily one of the most under-rated keepers in the SFL impressed just after the interval holding a howitzer by Milne
Thistle went ahead in the 54th minute when Mitchell hit a shot that was blocked on the line and as the Diamonds struggled to clear Hinds found the net with a shot on the turn.
Coyle restored parity on 67 minutes when he headed in Paul Lovering’s free kick.
But Thistle won it three minutes later when all 6ft 9inches of Mitchell headed home a Derek Fleming corner.
After Match Reactions
Jamie Mitchell said: 'I've set my sights on double figures this season - and, to be honest I should have 18 already.
'I was getting stick for missing chances so it's nice to get off the mark at last and get us the three points.
'People might not expect me to be heading in corners but we've worked hard on set pieces.
'Our first two games have shown us you don't get any easy afternoons in this league. But we know what to expect - and it's up to us to prove we have the best squad in the league.'
Gerry Britton said: 'Mitchie had to use a springboard to get up for that header but I'm pleased he's got his reward for the hard work he puts in.'