Partick Thistle ended their wait for an away win as Danny Mullen’s goal saw off Scottish Championship promotion rivals Ayr 1-0.

Mullen’s 32nd-minute header earned Thistle a first win on the road since October 15 and moved them a point off the play-off places as interim boss Kris Doolan took charge for the first time.

Thistle were forced into an early change when Anton Dowds was injured, but his replacement Mullen headed in Jack McMillan’s cross to put the visitors ahead.

Kyle Turner should have made it 2-0 before half-time but he blazed over from close range.

Ayr pushed for a leveller in the second half, with Dipo Akinyemi narrowly firing wide before shooting straight at Jamie Sneddon late on, but Thistle held on.