Partick edge Stenhousemuir in cup shootout to stay in title hunt

Partick held their nerve in a penalty shootout to edge Stenhousemuir 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Scottish Championship cup pool, keeping their title push alive. The win leaves Partick 11 points adrift of league leaders St Johnstone with 36 games played this season. League standing: 2nd in Championship, 66 pts, 17W-15D-4L from 36 games, recent form DDDWD.

What happened in the cup clash?

Partick and Stenhousemuir played out a cagey 90 minutes at home, with neither side able to break the deadlock until the 78th minute. Stenhousemuir struck first through striker Liam Smith, but Partick equalised in stoppage time when captain Ryan Dow netted from close range after a scramble in the box. The deadlock held through extra time, sending the tie to a shootout where Partick’s composure paid off.

Why the shootout win matters for Partick

The shootout victory keeps Partick’s slim title hopes flickering, though they remain 11 points behind St Johnstone with just 12 games left. Goals this season: 53 scored, 36 conceded (+17 goal difference). The point gained lifts Partick above third-placed Raith Rovers, but manager John McGinn insists the focus must stay on consistency. “We took our chances tonight,” McGinn said. “The league’s still wide open, but we can’t afford another lapse like against St Mirren.”

What comes next for Partick?

Partick’s next league outing is away to Inverness CT on July 30, a game that could define their push for a top-two finish. Recent form (last 5): 2W-2D-1L (LDWWD, most recent first). With the cup run offering a morale boost, the squad will hope to carry that momentum into the league. The club’s attack has been potent-53 goals this season-but defensive lapses, like the loss to St Mirren on May 25, remain a concern. McGinn added: “We know where we’re vulnerable. Fixing those errors is the difference between pushing for Europe and fighting for a playoff spot.”

League standing: 2nd in Championship, 66 pts, 17W-15D-4L from 36 games, recent form DDDWD. Goals this season: 53 scored, 36 conceded (+17 goal difference).