Thistle extended their stay in the Premier League for at least another week following a well-deserved victory over a disappointing Hearts.
Neither side were able to take control in the early stages and it was a full 13 minutes before either side had a chance at goal. Poor Thistle defending allowed Robbie Neilson to shoot and James Langfield in the Thistle goal could only parry his shot but Neilson fired wide with the rebound.
Thistle's first chance came after 21 minutes when James Grady and Andy Thomson linked well but Thompson's header from 12 yards went the wrong side of the post.
Thistle were now having the better of the play and Grady should have done better after 29 minutes and 31 minutes, Thompson almost deceived Craig Gordon from ten yards but the Hearts keeper managed to keep the ball out.
Hearts did come back into the game as half time approached and on 35 minutes Joe Hamill was allowed to cross but his cross missed all the Hearts forwards and went harmlessly by.
The best chance of the half fell to Alan Maybury on 39 minutes but he blasted over when he really should have done a lot better.
The second half started with Thistle again to the fore and it came as no surprise when they took the lead on 49 minutes.
Langfield cleared long and Grady out-jumped Steve Pressley and Thompson ran onto the loose ball and chipped the on-rushing Gordon from 12 yards.
Hearts pressed for an equaliser but Langfield was rarely troubled as Hamill, on 66, and again on 82, shot wide when he could have done better.
Hearts afternoon of misery was compounded on 86 minutes when Paul Hartley was sent off following a second booking.
This seemed to spark Thistle and they had the last chance of the game when, deep in injury time, Gerard Britton's cross was met by William Howie and his 14-yard shot looked certain to go into the bottom corner but Gordon somehow managed to turn it around for a corner.
Thistle celebrated at the final whistle as they gained three valuable points in their fight against relegation, but Hearts will be bitterly disappointed with the way they played.
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