Partick Thistle retained their position at the top of the table, but were made to fight all the way by Queen of the South, who matched everything they did, except score as many goals.

After a poor opening spell the home side went in front, when keeper Kenny Arthur collected a corner and unleashed a long clearance into the heart of the visitors defence, and Scott McLean won the chase before chipping the ball over the advancing keeper.

The Doonhamers drew level seven minutes late when Warren Hawke pounced to score from close range, after a poor defensive mistake.

With only a minute of the first half remaining Thistle grabbed what proved to be the winner with a magnificent strike from David McCallum, whose 25 yard shot flew into the net.