Partick 0 Hibernian 1

Last updated : 15 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Hibs clearly enjoy playing at Firhill Stadium as they won here for the second time this season to record their first league victory of 2003.

The three points also helped them draw level with Dundee in the race for a top six spot but none of this could disguise another average display from the Edinburgh club.

For Partick it was harsh that an afternoon of hard graft should go un-rewarded leaving them with the dismal record of just one win in their last eight outings.

Despite making the type of urgent start which is demanded by boss John Lambie Thistle were caught cold by Hibs first attack as Mathias Jack slipped the ball through to top scorer Tom McManus who slotted home his tenth goal of the season from close range.

Partick's leading marksman Alex Burns then tested the visiting keeper Nick Colgan before midfielder David Rowson fired low and narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Burns was involved again in the 32nd minute when his persistence kept the ball in play by the corner flag, allowing Martin Hardie to jink past two defenders and bend a left foot shot inches past the post.

The same two players continued to offer the strongest hope of an equaliser in the second half with Burns twice going close and Hardie then seeing his close range toe-poke blocked by Colgan at the back post.

Derek Fleming was next to call the Irish keeper into action after 72 minutes and nine minutes later home substitute Barry Elliott finally found the net but was denied by the offside flag.

Hibs were hanging on desperately, yet John O'Neil almost added a second goal near the end with a curling effort that Kenny Arthur did well to push away at full length.