Livingston eased into the final of the William Hill Premiership play-offs with a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory over Partick Thistle.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, progression for David Martindale’s side was rarely in doubt after Jamie Brandon powered them ahead five minutes before half-time.

Stevie May’s sensational half-volley midway through the second half extinguished any hope of a Jags comeback.

The Lions will now face the second-bottom side in the Premiership.

Their opponents will be determined on Sunday, with Ross County, who are currently occupying the play-off spot, and Dundee battling it out to avoid a nerve-shattering conclusion to the season.

Thistle were presented with an early chance after Scott Pittman hauled down Ben Stanway on the edge of the area.

Steven Lawless took the resulting free-kick, but fizzed his effort high and wide of the target.

Livi were enjoying the bulk of the possession, though it was the visitors that were enjoying the better of the opportunities.

Logan Chalmers burst forward before sending his cross inches over the head of the onrushing Aidan Fitzpatrick, then Stanway’s long-range effort was deflected past a post after striking Danny Wilson.

The home side had their first effort on goal in the 23rd minute, when Wilson’s header looped narrowly over.

It had been a quiet start to the evening for the goalkeepers, though both were called into action in the space of 60 seconds as the game swung from end to end.

Lewis Smith’s curling shot forced a good stop from Thistle’s David Mitchell, while Jerome Prior comfortably clutched Brian Graham’s attempt.

The opening goal arrived in the 40th minute — as Livi struck a vital blow to move further ahead in the tie.

Livi skipper Brandon beat Stuart Bannigan to a loose ball, before surging forward and firing home an angled drive that found the net despite the best efforts of the Jags keeper.

David Martindale withdrew Brandon and Robbie Muirhead at the break, with both players only one booking away from suspension.

Thistle were facing a mountain to climb. However, they demonstrated plenty of attacking intent in the early stages of the second half.

Kanayo Megwa’s cross skipped off Macaulay Tait before creeping past a post, and Stanway stung the palms of Prior from a tight angle.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 67th minute. May met Pittman’s flick with a sublime half-volley that left Mitchell with no chance.

A frustrating night for Thistle player-boss Graham was summed up as his free-kick nestled in the side-netting.

His side battled valiantly to reach the play-offs and then overturn a quarter-final deficit against Ayr, but would find reaching the final a step too far.