Two sides desperate to take all three points for very different reasons produced a fraught, frenzied finale here at Firhill which was broadly equivalent to the chaotic chase scenes in the Benny Hill Show. In the end, Aidan Fitzpatrick’s last gasp winner gave Partick Thistle the win which lifted them off the foot of the table while effectively killing off Dundee United’s hopes of reeling in Ross County at the other end of the standings.

“I was like a basketball game at the end,” said United manager Robbie Neilson after his side slithered eight points behind the Highland table-toppers. He saved his more withering observations for match official, Alan Newlands, though. The man in the middle denied United what appeared to be a clear cut penalty while Thistle also had cause to harrumph at the referee as they too had very loud claims for a spot kick.

“I’ve no idea what the referee is doing,” said Neilson as he reflected on Miles Storey’s clatter on Jamie Robson. “It’s one of the most blatant ones you’ll ever see in your life. But that’s what we are dealing with at times with referees. I tried to speak to him. But it’s difficult. We talk about building relationships but they don’t want to talk. I’m sure he’ll see it and will realise he’s made a howler.”

On a blustery, chilly day at Firhill, the hosts warmed the cockles of the locals with a breakthrough after four minutes. Joe Cardle’s raking ball into the box was misjudged by Mark Reynolds and Scott McDonald nipped in behind to nod in from close range against his old club.

Early in the second hafl, McDonald was presented with a chance to double the Thistle tally but Benjamin Siegrist pulled off a vital save. McDonald was in the midst of it again and seemed to be thrown to the ground by Mark Connelly in a move often employed by the bouncers on the doors of Maryhill Road’s more boisterous bars. There was no penalty, though. United then had their raucous howls for a penalty waved away before Nicky Clark’s delightfully executed free-kick brought them level on 76 minutes. Cue a fevered, breathless end to affairs as the match roared to a finish. Fitzpatrick had a chance with five minutes left but his shot was deflected over. He kept his cool in injury time, though, and calmly slotted home to spark wild scenes. There was still time for United's Pavol Safranko to find the net but his prod was rightly ruled out for offside and Thistle held on.

“In terms of character and desire to win a big football match, they were outstanding,” said Thistle manager, Gary Caldwell.