It took Jags just two minutes to go ahead with Kevin McKinlay heading in a Paul Paton corner.

Spartans were on level terms just one minute later but Thistle continued on top.

Simon Donnelly limped off in the 20th minute with substitute Simon Lynch proving to be the match winner.

The trialist restored Jags' lead from the penalty spot after Mark Roberts was fouled.

And he secured Thistle's victory when he shot into the net on the hour mark.

Ian McCall's men will face Ayr United at Somerset Park on Thursday, and two teams will be put out to play friendlies on Thursday, July 10.

Gerry Britton will head down to Stair Park with one squad to face Stranraer and Ian McCall will take another to Glebe Park to play Brechin City.

The Jags are next in action against Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Tuesday, July 15, before they entertain Carlisle four days later.

And the final pre-season friendly will also take place at Firhill, against Owen Coyle's Burnley on Monday, July 21.

McCall is looking to bring new players to the club before the start of the season.

He said: "The boys have come back from their break really strong and they look in good shape.

"But the squad is still too small and I'll be looking to add more players before the season begins."

Former St Mirren defender Ian Maxwell and ex-Spiders defender Paul Paton are the only two new additions to the Thistle line-up.

However, veteran Alan Archibald will miss the opening two months of next season with a cruciate ligament injury and doubts still remain over Liam Buchanan, who has been struggling to overcome a persistent groin injury since last season.

McCall said: "Liam has spent a lot of time in physiotherapy and is getting there.

"Alan is still in rehab and is also still working with the physio."

The Jags, however, do not have a lot of time to stengthen their squad as the first competitive game of the season is just a few weeks away.

They will take on Queen's Park at Firhill on Saturday, July 26, in the first round of the Challenge Cup.

The match will be followed by the first home league game of the season, against Dunfermline on Saturday, August 2.

Thursday's match clash with Ayr United kicks-off at 7.30pm.