As Thistle head to Johnstone Burgh on Saturday in the Scottish Cup, the club have been hit by a bodyblow after influential wing-back Iain Fisher lost his appeal to the SJFA.

Fisher had appealed his controversial red card from the Sauchie game in the 2nd round cup tie. But at Thursday night's hearing, Fisher was suspended for two matches, starting on Saturday against Burgh.

Fans should note that it is an earlier kick-off on Saturday for the third round clash at Keanie Park - 1.45pm.

Manager Sandy MacLean said: “If Iain loses his appeal, he will be suspended for four games. We have got to be hopeful, because if he loses it, it is a stonewall tragedy.” Thistle captain Kevin Struthers is still battling for fitness after picking up a groin strain, while deputy skipper Graham Muir has a hamstring problem.

Largs are also on the look-out for a reserve keeper after Ian Nixon was released by the club. Thistle are pursuing midfielder Gary Fleming after he impressed as a trialist, but has also picked up an injury.

And the Thistle boss is hoping that his side can build on recent momentum as the excitement of the cup returns this weekend.

Sandy said: “We played Johnstone at the start of the season and beat us in a friendly. They will fancy their chances - we have to be ready. We know there isn’t any such thing as an easy game in the Scottish. If we turn up and think we are through, you are liable to get a smack. You have to always guard against the unexpected in the Scottish Cup.” And the boss praised his players for putting in a ‘maximum effort’ to overcome Yoker: “I was disappointed to be one goal down at half-time as I felt we could have been 3-0 up if we had taken their chances. We then put in a really top quality 45 minutes and the good thing we showed is that we can also defend. The amount of players who threw their bodies in front of the ball, and the great saves by Grant Weir, were all important. And credit is due to both James Marks and Graham Muir who took their goals well.

“A supporter said this week that there are 12 teams in the relegation battle, and 12 teams in the promotion battle - that is a very accurate assessment. We know how important that back to back wins are in this division, and now we have achieved that.” Sandy also stated that Largs had been given a tough draw in the West of Scotland Cup away to Beith on a date still to be arranged. “It is a tough draw in every sense,” he said, “but we have done well against top teams and I am sure Beith will not be taking us lightly.”