Runaway Division Two leaders Partick Thistle stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at Firhill against an impressive Queen of the South side.

The game burst into life in the 23rd minute when John O'Neill drove the ball against Danny Lennon's arm, after Jon Sunderland's fierce shot had been saved by Kenny Arthur in the Partick goal.

The referee awarded a penalty and red-carded Lennon, and O'Neill stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

O'Neill increased Queens' lead after 55 minutes when he headed home Sunderland's accurate cross from the right.

Seven minutes later, the 10-man Jags were reduced even further when Mark McNally received his second yellow card, and he was immediately followed by Martin Hardy for dissent.

The visitors, not surprisingly, dominated the final stages but were unable to extend their lead as the Jags defended solidly.