Friday 3rd January, 2020 at 3:54pm
Having ended 2019 with a win, Partick Thistle are aiming to start 2020 in a similar vein as they travel to the Indodrill Stadium to take on Alloa Athletic this weekend. The Jags moved out of the bottom two with a victory at Cappielow last week and now hope to put some space between themselves and any relegation danger as they take on the Championship’s bottom side who managed an impressive away win of their own last time out. Jags assistant, Alan Archibald, spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game:
“It was great to go into New Year’s with that win over Morton. The lads were outstanding and it was definitely one of our best performances this season, particularly in defence. We kept them at bay for most of the game and the only times they really threatened were set pieces.”
Thistle came out and hit the front early against the Ton, scoring the opener after just five minutes and Archie hopes they carry that sort of attitude into the match against Alloa.
“It was great to see and I think it’s because they’re on a good run. We were really disappointed to lose the game against Dundee but it was a tight game and we’ve won every other game in December so the boys have got that belief which so you saw from the start at Cappielow.”
Alex Jones has grasped his chance with two hands since returning from injury last month and with two goals in his last three, he’s added an extra dimension to the Thistle attack which Archie is delighted with.
“He’s taken his goal really well and from the management team’s point of view, we’re really happy with what he’s brought to the team outwith just the two goals. He’s given us a real focal point up top and has given Kenny a bit more freedom to work in between the lines. It seems that the formation we’ve moved to really suits the players including Alex.”
The former Thistle defender then touched on the extension of Reece Cole’s loan deal and the importance of the number 12 in the Jags’ midfield.
“We’re disappointed that Osman Kakay was called back by QPR because we wanted him to stay but we’re over the moon that Reece’s extension got over the line. He’s been in really good form and his goals and assists have been very important.
“He’s built a good partnership with Stuart Bannigan over the last few weeks and they complement each other really well so to have him here for the rest of the season is brilliant.”
A healthy away support cheered the Jags on at Cappielow last week and another is expected at the Indodrill this weekend and Archie is hopeful the team can give the fans another memorable away win.
“We’ve had great backing, especially on away days and it was great to win both the away games last month. In both games the players celebrated the winner with the fans and you could really see what it meant so hopefully we get more of that tomorrow.”
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