Two years ago, ramp-stretching Paltic Thistle destroyed Ayr United 8-0 in the Premiership playoff semi-finals.
This time we will be preparing to meet again at the quarterfinal stage, so it is very unlikely that we will be going to make a one-sided round this time.
In fact, Ayr United should be a small favorite this time around in the tie.
Scott Brown’s side finished third on the table, scoring eight points from thistle.
On top of this, the honest man was able to rest several players in his victory over the Airdrionian on Friday, as the playoff berth is already guaranteed.
In contrast, the Paltic Thistle had to fight teeth and claws to win at Livingston to ensure a playoff location.
It was delivered properly in a fierce battle 1-0 victory, but it was definitely a drainage experience for thistle side, which had to go full throttle.
Over the years we have seen how intense workload pressure can hit the side of the championship in search of a place for a premiership.
However, with Brian Graham leading head on, thistle’s will to win should not be underestimated.
The club’s captain and his interim co-manager, Mark Wilson, will want to show off the power of having what it takes to take the club to the next level.
The bottom line shows that a return to the top flight is financially bringing a wonder to Paltic thistle, with the club having made significant budget cuts over the recent season.
However, the will to win also exists in the spades of Ayr United. Why wasn’t Scott Brown at the helm?
There’s a sense that something important is steadily being built under the stewardship of Ayr United fans, chairman and construction tycoon David Smith. But the question continues – is this a season too early for the AYR United project to reach the top table?
It is also worth noting that Paltic Thistle is slightly better out of the four fixtures between the sides this season, giving the Jug two home wins. Somerset Park witnessed a home victory and a draw.
It is also worth adding that AYR only managed two wins of his last nine victories.
Partick Thistle’s form was a bit of a patch, but the previous two matches were victory over top two Falkirk and Livingston. But you wonder how much it took from them.
Livingston is waiting for the winner next week. That’s a considerable hurdle in itself enough before the final against anyone falling through the premiership trapdoor.
