Partick Thistle suffered more play-off penalty woe as Lewis Vaughan’s spot-kick fired Raith Rovers into a promotion decider.
The Jags were on course to reach their second successive cinch Premiership play-off final after David Mitchell saved Raith’s first penalty from Scott Brown at Stark’s Park after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
But Jack McMillan missed the target and Ricco Diack hit the post to allow long-serving Raith forward Vaughan to secure a 4-3 shoot-out win.
Ian Murray’s side now have the chance to end a 27-year absence from the top flight when they take on either St Johnstone or Ross County over two legs next week.
Thistle will again need to get over their disappointment and go again 12 months on from losing on penalties to County after letting a three-goal lead slip in the final.
Blair Alston had netted a first-half double either side of a Ross Matthews goal to cancel out Raith’s 2-1 first-leg lead and set up an intriguing further 75 minutes of action.
The Thistle midfielder had come off the bench to net a late lifeline in the first leg – four of his six goals this season have come against Raith – but he went off injured midway through the second half.
Alston was close from long range early on and went one better in the 16th minute when his 25-yard free-kick took a nick off Brown and went out of the reach of goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski.
Thistle appeared to take a step back after levelling the aggregate score and Raith took advantage on the half-hour mark after a lengthy spell of possession. Matthews ran untracked from the edge of the box to meet fellow full-back Liam Dick’s back-post cross and headed home from six yards.
The Jags regained the initiative and Scott Robinson was causing problems before setting up their second goal in first-half stoppage-time.
Centre-back Dan O’Reilly was allowed to carry the ball up to the halfway line unchallenged and launch an aerial ball forward. Brian Graham and then Robinson helped the ball on and Alston netted on the rebound after Dabrowski had stopped his initial effort.
Both sides looked more convincing when on the front foot and each enjoyed spells of superiority after the break.
Rovers captain Brown was at the centre of the action, twice coming close from outside the box either side of producing a brilliant double goal-line clearance to deny Aaron Muirhead and then O’Reilly following a corner.
Dabrowski saved well from McMillan and Harry Milne and again the momentum swung before Graham made an important headed block from Sam Stanton’s strike.
Graham had a glorious chance to score his 27th goal of the season and win the game with the last kick of the 90 minutes but the Thistle captain lost his footing and shot over.
Thistle substitute Lewis Neilson curled just wide at the start of extra-time but Raith had the better of the first period with Stanton denied by Mitchell.
Thistle were back in the ascendancy after the break. Graham’s shot was blocked in the goalmouth before Luke McBeth hooked just wide from the resulting corner.
The Jags continued to look the likelier side and Dabrowski dived to his left to make a brilliant stop from Milne’s bouncing long-range effort to set up penalties.
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 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 2 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 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 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 7 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 8 Daily Laugh - And Man City are back.
- 9 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit
- 10 Barcelona announce Garrido departure