Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan hailed “talisman” Brian Graham after his captain’s double sent the Jags into the cinch Premiership play-off semi-final.
A goal in each half from the striker at Firhill sealed a 2-1 win over Airdrie and a 4-3 aggregate victory to set up a two-legged clash against Raith Rovers next week.
The 36-year-old saw a late chance saved from close range in the first leg and responded by taking his season’s tally to 26.
Doolan said: “Brian will be annoyed that he missed a chance on Tuesday and he pops up and scores twice. That’s the type of striker we have in Brian, a guy who is just desperate to score goals and is reliable.
“Our team turn to Brian, they look for Brian. We have threats all over the pitch and Brian is the spearhead.
“We knew if Brian got a half chance he would take it, in this game especially because he has a point to prove,
“His goal return this year has been absolutely outstanding. He is the talisman for us and hopefully he can take us all the way.”
SPFL Trust Trophy winners Airdrie could count themselves unfortunate on several fronts.
Graham looked half a yard offside as he tapped home the opener while the Diamonds forced 12 corners and pushed Thistle back after Arron Lyall had pulled a goal back.
Callum Fordyce hit the bar late on and Nikolay Todorov had a decent penalty claim denied following Daniel O’Reilly’s slide tackle.
Manager Rhys McCabe said of the opener: “He was offside but, listen, it’s not why we lost the game. We have played enough football over the course of the two legs and Partick to be fair were ruthless when they needed to be. Football is sometimes a cruel sport.
“The main message in there to the boys was not to get our heads down and let’s lean on the positives.
“If I had said at the start of the season what we would have achieved – the play-offs, a cup final win, going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league, we have not lost to Raith Rovers, we have beaten Dundee United, beaten Partick and taken them all the way in the play-offs.
“That’s all I can ask of my players. One thing I can’t control is the result, what we try and can control is our performance and the way that we play and I’m a big believer that the way that we play will get us more positive results than negative ones.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.16 remain at the Club World Cup And Man City are back. Will Messi PLAY in The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup FINAL? Thoughts SIMPLE QUESTION - Who will WIN The 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP? 'When will Cristiano retire?' In the last 16 of the Club World Cup: 🇪🇸 Real Madrid vs. Juventus 🇮🇹Heritage. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit:...
Chelsea are closing in on another attacking signing.Enzo Maresca is orchestrating a major rebuild of his squadChelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens. The Blues have made it their mission to bolster their forward line this summer, and the Englishman looks set to be a key part of their attacking rebuild.Enzo Maresca’s side have already welcomed...
Arsenal’s hopes of landing one of their top striker targets this summer have taken a significant blow, with BBC journalist Sami Mokbel stating that the Gunners have “less than a 2% chance” of completing the deal during this transfer window.Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are actively searching for a new centre-forward to add a clinical edge to the squad ahead of t...
Liverpool have agreed to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End.Woodman to slot in as third choice keeper28-year-old out of contract at PrestonGeorgian no.1 Mamardashvili joins Reds in JulyWHAT HAPPENED?Woodman, 28, made 22 appearances for the Championship side last season. His contract with Preston expires at the end of the month, allowing him to join the Reds o...
Bid rejected! Newcastle fail in £50m swoop for Brighton's PedroNewcastle United have seen a bold £50 million ($68m) offer for Brighton star Joao Pedro rejected, with Chelsea also circling the Brazilian forward. The Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid, but face stiff competition in the market for one of the Premier League’s most versatile and in-demand attackers.Brig...
FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-ASTON VILLAAston Villa feel no pressure to part company with young star Morgan Rogers, with the club telling suitors the player is not for sale.WHAT HAPPENED?A report by Mail Sport suggests the club would demand an offer in excess of £100m before they even consider an approach. That was the figure they commanded from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021. Asto...
Germany v Portugal - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalTeddy Sheringham has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for staying at the club, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.WHAT HAPPENED?The ex-United and Tottenham star was speaking to Racing Tipster. He spoke glowingly about Fernandes, and also praised the club for not cashing in on their ageing captain. According to Sherin...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueBryan Mbeumo has decided to join Manchester United, and has informed both Brentford and Tottenham of his intentions, per a new report.WHAT HAPPENED?After months of speculation, David Ornstein reports for The Atheltic that the Cameroonian forward has selected Manchester United as his next club. While it had been suggested a fee of £65m ...
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier LeagueCristian Romero’s absence from Tottenham Hotspurs’ 2024-25 kit launch video has sparked fresh hope for Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the Argentina defender. Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is pushing for a deal this summer, but Spurs are standing firm on their £60 million ($82.2m) valuation despite reports of financia...
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier LeagueTottenham and West Ham are both considering swoops for Aston Villa's £40 million-rated midfielder Jacob Ramsey.WHAT HAPPENED?Mail Sport understands Villa are open to selling Ramsey, as he would represent pure profit on their balance sheet against the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. While Spurs and West Ham are interested ...
- 1 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 2 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 3 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 4 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 5 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Wayne Rooney gets Erling Haaland ponytail in shock new look
- 8 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 9 Daily Laugh - And Man City are back.
- 10 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit