Partick Thistle 0-3 Morton

Apr 27 2008 Alan Mcmillan At Firhill

BRIAN WAKE was celebrating a unique season in which he helped one team move into the SPL and another preserve their First Division status. The striker played his part in Hamilton's march to the top flight and grabbed two of Ton's goals at Firhill that keeps them up by the narrowest of goal difference margins.

Kevin Finlayson was also on the scoresheet as the Greenock club avoided the play-offs.

But Wake feared he might have handed relegation rivals Clyde a lifeline when he blew his chance of a hat-trick late on. The 25-year-old Englishman said: "The guys didn't know what was happening in the Clyde-Stirling game.

"But when you're winning 3-0 and the body language from your dugout is still not what you'd hoped for it's a bit of a clue.

"I had a chance to make it 4-0 but didn't hit the target when I should have put the ball across the keeper. I'm just relieved that wasn't the deciding factor between us and Clyde.

"I'm delighted for the fans. They've supported us in great numbers and it's great to repay them and send them home happy.

"I scored a couple of goals but every one of the lads was different class. I hope next season we can be challenging further up the table.

"It has been a good end to the season for us and Hamilton. I'm happy they were champions and phoned boss Billy Reid to congratulate him.

"He said he'll sort me out with a championship medal so I can look forward to that."

Davie Irons stuck by the side that beat Dunfermline 3-0 while Ian McCall fielded his strongest available team as the players gave a first public airing to the new home strip.

A big vocal travelling support saw Morton make a promising start with Iain Russell shooting narrowly wide.

And they were in full voice when Wake broke the deadlock in 15 minutes. Finlayson's cross from the right was headed down by Russell and the hitman fired home from eight yards.

Just before the break Irons' troops scored again. Erik Paartalu found Finlayson and he cracked a 30-yard shot into the corner.

The Morton players were out sharp after the break and took just 10 minutes to seal the win.

Ryan McGuffie dithered in the box and Wake nicked the ball to slide in from close range.

Wake then missed a chance for his treble but it didn't matter.

Morton boss Irons said: "I'm delighted with the players but we haven't won anything and I don't want us to be scraping around the bottom next season.

"I lost my dad a fortnight ago and I was looking up and thinking about him today. I know he'll be happy with the result."

Furious Jags boss McCall said: "We were an utter shambles from start to finish."

MoM: Wake (Morton)