Saturday 31st December, 2016 at 7:04pm
Partick Thistle went from bottom of the table to top six in the space of a week and were looking to secure their tstatus in the top half going into the winter break with a win over Kilmarnock. However, unfortunately for the Firhill side, the game finished as a goalless draw leaving the team in seventh place. Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the game to offer his opinion on the day’s match.
Archie was impressed with his side’s play at the start of the game and thought they could have made more of their early dominance.
“We started the game well. We had the goal chalked off and had plenty of play in their half. We just didn’t work the goalkeeper enough, we should have been a bit more penetrative in the final third. To be fair to them they defended really well but, considering their result in midweek, we were expecting that.”
The big talking points of the match were the two Kris Doolan goals that were disallowed as Doolan was adjudged to have been offside.
“I haven’t had the chance to see them back yet but the first one he was definitely offside. For the second one, he seemed in line. It’s the kind of decision that sometimes you’ll get but sometimes you won’t but it is very close in fairness to the officials.”
The Jags’ manager was disappointed with the way that his side faded in the second half, despite difficult conditions.
“I didn’t think there was enough in the second half, we were looking a bit tired. It’s been a tough set of fixtures and the games have taken their toll on the players. The weather didn’t help us either.”
The gaffer was, however, very happy with how his team has performed over the holiday period, picking up seven points from a possible nine.
“This time last week we were bottom of the table so we’re delighted with where we are. It’s given us a platform to go ahead and build on in the new year. We have to remember that it’s still ever so tight and I think it’ll probably stay that way. It’s important that we recharge fully and prepare fully for the second half of the campaign.”
Thistle’s next game comes on the 21st of January against Formartine United in the Scottish Cup fourth round and the first League game of the new year comes away at Inverness as Thistle look to build on their recent form.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Sean Welsh And Daniel Devine. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available. Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game from midnight tonight.
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