Ross County retains Scottish Premiership status with Partick Thistle win

Ross County came from three goals down in the final 20 minutes to beat Partick Thistle on penalties and retain their place in the Scottish Premiership next season.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Thistle looked set for a return to the top flight when Aidan Fitzpatrick added to their advantage two minutes before half-time.

But two goals in two minutes sparked the County comeback as Yan Dhanda’s penalty and Simon Murray’s close-range finish turned the game around.

The Highlanders completed their comeback in stoppage time through George Harmon’s cool finish.

Chances came and went for both sides in extra time, but it took a marathon shootout to separate them.

Josh Sims finally settled matters as County survived 5-4 on penalties.

“Everyone wanted Partick Thistle in the Premiership. A trip to Glasgow rather than the Highlands,” said County manager Malky Mackay.

“We’re in a part of the country that is hard to recruit to, it’s a rebuild every year, but we’re still in the Premiership.”

AFP

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