AND then there was one.

It may have taken a little longer than expected but Partick Thistle finally chalked off the first of their two games in hand over Irn-Bru First Division promotion rivals Morton last night, with a win over Cowdenbeath taking them to the top of the table. With a rearranged meeting with Raith Rovers to come next Tuesday, the title is very much within the Glasgow side's grasp.

Winter may yet reach into April but, despite having a series of fixtures postponed, it has not been one of discontent for the Firhill side. Since the original fixture on December 8 fell foul of the weather, another three attempts have been made to play this game. However, it was perhaps on the coldest day of them all that the points were decided.

Thistle earned a reprieve on their last trip to Central Park when the game was abandoned due to fog with 20 minutes remaining and the hosts 2-1 up. It could yet prove a defining moment in the title race as they capitalised in clinical fashion in freezing Fife.

It looked highly doubtful that it would be fifth time lucky last night, but some sterling efforts from a handful of hardy home supporters ensured that there would be some action. After clearing sufficient snow for the pitch to pass an inspection on Tuesday evening, they had to do it all over again yesterday morning as the conditions again threatened to disrupt Cowdenbeath's battle to beat the drop and Thistle's bid to move to the top.

Fans of both clubs had spent the day logging on to Cowdenbeath's official website to watch live webcam pictures of the work being done on the pitch, several intermittent flurries leaving many fearing the worst before the green light was given. Those who toiled with shovels could have been forgiven for regretting their decision to help out, however, with Thistle showing their appreciation in ruthless fashion.

Alan Archibald's side were sloppy and deservedly trailing during the abandoned fixture as they headed for a shock defeat, but there was little chance of history repeating itself last night. The visitors were bright and positive from the off, James Craigen having a near-post flick blocked and Chris Erskine floating a header over from a decent position.

Their pressure soon paid off but it owed much to a defensive howler rather than any slick attacking play. A slack backpass from Greg Stewart was pounced upon by Kris Doolan and, when goalkeeper Colin Stewart rushed from his line to thwart the advancing forward, he only succeeded in deflecting the ball into the path of Stephen O'Donnell, and the Thistle right-back was left with the simplest of finishes.

As Cowdenbeath struggled to assert themselves, Thistle continued to pile forward, eager to find a crucial second goal and give themselves some breathing space. It arrived on the half-hour mark from the head of Doolan, the striker – in the starting line-up for the injured Steven Craig – showing his predatory instincts to find himself in the right place at the right time to nod in after Aaron Muirhead flicked on Craigen's cross.

Stewart was almost culpable once more before the first half was out as a poor touch again gave Doolan a sniff. The Thistle forward could not capitalise, however, with Stewart smothering the ball before Erskine could pounce.

With Thistle firmly in control, there appeared little chance of a Cowdenbeath comeback and their chances were all but gone 20 minutes from the end as substitute Thomas O'Brien hauled back Doolan as he burst through on goal and was shown a straight red card by referee Craig Charleston.

Thistle added a third for good measure, Doolan scoring after Stewart saved a Steven Lawless strike to ensure that, for the first time in several months, the Maryhill men were top of the table again.