STIRLING ALBION 1 - PARTICK THISTLE 1

He may be the height of nonsense, but in the months ahead it is perfectly possible that Stephen Connor will progress to become a decisive influence in Patrick Thistle's drive towards promotion from the first division.

Through the generosity of Everton, the waif-like English youth internationalist is earning his keep in Maryhill - until January at least. Although he was only unleashed for the closing minutes at Forthbank, the teenager displayed great drive and determination, quali-ties people will pay to watch and, just as importantly for Thistle, help win matches.

They certainly started the match encouragingly, going in front with a headed goal from Simon Donnelly.

Until this point, the Glasgow team had shown solidity in defence, an attribute sorely absent not so long ago. However, with victory appearing likely, David McKenna was released from captivity and with the Thistle defence for once nowhere to be seen, the substitute's header restored equality.

Replacements were instigated, tactics altered in an attempt to conclude the opening afternoon of the campaign with success, but it was Connor's introduction that really caught the eye.

He was hardly warmed up when the ball ended up at his toes, and zipping through the Stirling defence as though they did not exist, he sent it invitingly across the danger zone. But the problem for Thistle was that the man replaced by Connor was Liam Buchanan, the team's principal striker, and no damage was done.

There was much to admire about the play of both teams. Stirling are notoriously poor starters in a season, and when it is considered they were unable to field some of their more prominent players for one reason or another, their season holds promise.

As for Thistle, encouraging though their first 90 minutes of competitive action was, it should be remembered they started well 12 months ago, only to fall away very badly indeed.

However, the regime has changed, so we will see.

Certainly, after the first brief sighting, Connor looks the part. He claimed what he had just taken part in was of a better quality then with Everton's reserves. "I just wanted to be positive and do what I did with Everton," he said. "I wanted to get at players, that is what I am good at, and the gaffer said just to go on and be positive."

In a sport that has become, in some areas, more a case of avoiding defeat, witnessing guys who dart forward with verve and purpose is pleasing.

Ian McCall, the Thistle manager, claims to be in need of at least three more players. Another few like Connor would go down well.