WITH the new season only 10 days away, last night's 2-0 defeat of Stirling Albion was another step forward for Partick Thistle.

As he took stock of an outing in which one new boy, Ian Maxwell, captained the Jags and another, Paul Paton, stole the show, boss Ian McCall was well satisfied at their pre-season progress.

It was former Queen's Park full-back Paton's searing strike that put Thistle in front during an impressive display, with his willingness to get forward on the right flank to supply good delivery standing out. And McCall admitted: "We want to be flexible enough to go three or four at the back and last night was a really valuable exercise.

"I was pleased with young Paul who took his goal really well and has settled in with us.

"The only negative was we didn't take more of the chances we created but it was another step forward for us and the game on Saturday with Carlisle will take us to the next level in our preparations."

Former Celt Simon Lynch failed to make the most of some gilt-edged chances and may now struggle to land a deal after initially impressing with a two-goal contribution in his debut against Blyth Spartans.

McCall believes his supporting cast of usual suspects are looking ominously strong.

The Jags' boss said: "I felt Kevin McKinlay did well when he came on up front and David Rowson and Gary Harkins are looking good and strong. We also got some quality delivery in from the flanks in Marc Twaddle and Paton. But hopefully we can make a couple of signings and we are busy in that regard."

Mark Roberts nodded home a Ryan McStay corner to settle matters.

Thistle: Hinchcliffe, Paton (Storey, 45), Twaddle, Robertson (Little, 66), Kinniburgh, Maxwell, McKeown (McStay, 58), Rowson (Harkins, 45, Ardalany, 81), Trialist (McKinlay, 60), Donnelly (Chaplain, 58), Eaglesham (Roberts, 45). Not used: Tuffey.