Premier Sports Cup
Sat 17 July, 2021. Kick Off: - 15:00
Ochilview Park
Ticket information
The hosts have a small number of tickets left on sale which are available to Jags supporters and are unallocated seating. Stenhousemuir have advised that supporters will be asked to sit on seats with a green tick when inside the ground.
Tickets, which cost £12 for adults and £6 for concessions (over 65s and full-time students) and under 16s, can be purchased here: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard
Live Stream
The home side are offering a livestream option for fans who aren’t coming to the game. A PPV pass costs £10 and can be purchased here: https://stenhousemuirfc.univtec.com/event/60e61792ef509c0910237bc3
Audio Commentary
Our JagZoneLIVE show will also be available to listen to with the build-up getting started at 2:30pm. The commentary team will bring you audio coverage of the full 90 minutes.
JagZone subscribers can listen in by clicking HERE ahead of kick-off.
In-Game Updates
Live updates will be available on our Twitter page throughout the game.
50/50 Draw
You can enter our digital 50/50 draw by purchasing tickets online.
Tickets cost £1 each to enter.
Entries will close at 3:30pm on Saturday 17th July 2021
Post-Match
Following the game, we’ll have reaction from the Thistle camp available to watch on JagZone.
There will also be match highlights and a full game replay on JagZone later.
Partick Thistle look to get their Premier Sports Cup campaign back on track this weekend as they take on Stenhousemuir at Ochilview in their second group stage game. The Jags suffered opening day defeat at the hands of Dunfermline last Saturday and will now likely need three wins from three to have a chance of progression. However, they come up against a Warriors side who have already caused an upset this week by beating League One side Dumbarton away from home. Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game:
“It was a difficult one to take on Saturday because we were all looking forward to the game obviously but we now have to prepare for another match.
“There were parts of the game that we were pretty happy with and when you look at the start of the game in particular, we were well on top and could have maybe scored more than just the one but we didn’t and that kept them in the game.
“From our perspective, the goals we lost were all disappointing and as a unit we need to defend better, without a doubt. That’s something that we’ll work on but we know ourselves that we’re better than what we showed defensively against Dunfermline.”
Brian Graham netted the opener for the Jags and then in the second half Zak Rudden came off the bench to get his scoring started for the season which Neil Scally said was very pleasing as the management team have high hopes for the forward this season.
“Zak knows what our hopes are for him. We think he’s got the ability to go out and be one of the best attackers in the league so we were delighted that he got his goal at the weekend. He missed some time in pre-season and didn’t get the chance to play any friendlies which is why he didn’t start but getting on the pitch to get those match minutes will do him good.”
Thistle face Stenhousemuir next and although they’re the lowest ranked team in the group, Scally says they won’t be taken lightly.
“We know they’ve signed a lot of good players and their manager actually used to be my housemate so I know a bit about how he wants his teams to play and a lot of those players he’s brought in are pretty well-known players in the Scottish game too.
“They had a huge turnover this summer but most of the guys they’ve brought in have either played at a higher level or have stood out at a lower level so they’ll definitely give us a good game and having won on Tuesday, they’ll probably come into it with confidence.”
One of Stenny’s goal scorers from their midweek game at Dumbarton was actually a Thistle player in the form of Jags loanee James Lyon who bagged his first professional goal to level the game at 1-1 and Neil explained the importance of giving the midfielder the chance to go and play games on a regular basis.
“He’s a player with massive potential and I think everyone sees that and is excited by his prospects but we felt that it was just slightly too early for him here with us and that going and playing every week would help him develop.
“At his age, getting game time like he should with Stenhousemuir will be invaluable whereas if he was here he’d maybe only be getting the odd appearance off the bench. Now, he can spend this season learning what it’s like to be a first team player who is starting games every weekend and then he will be well placed to come back and contribute as a Thistle player.”
Scally ended by giving us an update on squad fitness ahead of the trip to FK5.
“I think it’s just Shea Gordon and Darren Brownlie who are still out at the moment. We’ve had Mouhamed Niang back in training this week which is brilliant so he’ll be in the squad again. Apart from that, we’re as we were last week.”
Exclusive video interviews with Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally and Richard Foster are available for JagZone subscribers to watch now – log in to view.
JagZone subscribers will be able to tune in to live audio commentary for our clash with Stenhousemuir, starting at 2:30pm – click here to tune in.
The home side are offering a pay-per-view streaming option, priced at £10, for fans who are not going to the game – click here for more info.
We’ll have extended highlights and a full game replay of the fixture on JagZone following the game.
Article Copyright © 2021. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Partick Thistle contested their first away game of the new competitive season this afternoon as they faced Stenhousemuir in the Premier Sports Cup at Ochilview. The two opponents had contrasting fortunes in their group stage openers with Thistle losing 4-2 to Dunfermline whereas Stenhousemuir managed an upset on the road against Dumbarton.
There were three changes to the side which lost to the Pars seven days prior with Ciaran McKenna and Zak Rudden moving from the bench to the starting line-up while Harry Stone did likewise, replacing Jamie Sneddon in goals to make his debut as a Thistle player.
The first chance of the game came after seven minutes when Brian Graham’s high pass found Connor Murray in behind the Stenny defence. The number 17 tried to fire a volley goalwards but saw his attempt fly high over the bar.
Stenhousemuir found an opening of their own after 29 minutes as Harry Stone was called into serious action for the first time in the game. A free kick into the Jags’ box found Sean Crighton who was able to direct a header towards Cameron Graham with the 19-year-old trying a first-time shot. His effort was blocked but it fell straight to Thomas Orr who was denied well by Harry Stone who was out sharply to block at close range.
The breakthrough did come for the hosts though and, in the 32nd minute, Orr was central to it. He got the ball on the right flank and floated a ball into the danger area where Cameron Graham was primed to leap. The youngster was eased to the side by Richard Foster as he jumped and hit the deck as a consequence prompting referee Colin Steven to point to the spot. Orr was the man to step up and he confidently dispatched from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
There was a quick Jags response and Thistle almost equalised immediately through Ross Docherty. A Brian Graham shot from the edge of the box was blocked well and the rebound fell back to Docherty who then attempted a curling right-footed shot from 20 yards. His attempt looked net-bound but it ricocheted back off the post and was cleared for a throw-in.
Eventually, after some half-time changes to the personnel and shape, Thistle did draw level. It came through good play on the left flank where Brian Graham’s pass was flicked onto substitute Scott Tiffoney by Richard Foster. Tiffoney then moved into the box and picked out the waiting Zak Rudden who was unmarked four yards from goal. He had the simple task of turning the ball home to make it 1-1 just seven minutes after the second half restart.
And it took a while but the Maryhill men did eventually get the all important second goal with 73 minutes on the clock. Again Scott Tiffoney had the ball on the left wing, however, this time he turned the ball back to Richard Foster who swung a left-footed cross into the goalmouth area. Brian Graham attacked it and the number nine was able to flick a header into the corner of the net to put the Jags in front.
That’s how things ended at Ochilview with Thistle claiming their first points of the 2021/22 Premier Sports Cup group stages, coming from behind to do so. Next up it’s Dumbarton at Firhill on Tuesday – that one is a 7:45pm kick off.
It was a first win of the 2021/22 competitive season this afternoon for Partick Thistle as they took all three points from a trip to Ochilview in the Premier Sports Cup. The Jags lost their season opener against Dunfermline last Saturday but bounced back with a victory over the Warriors this weekend despite trailing at half-time. Tam Orr put Stephen Swift’s side ahead with a first half penalty but goals from Zak Rudden and Brian Graham after the break proved decisive for the Maryhill men as they earned their first points of this year’s group stages. Jags boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the full-time whistle:
“It was a tough game against a good Stenhousemuir team who I think will do well in their league. Still, we were disappointed to be down at half-time but we made some changes and played a lot better in that second half. Ultimately, we were just pleased to get the win in the end.
“I thought we started well again and created a few decent opportunities but they always had that threat. They’ve got some dangerous attackers but still I felt for the most part we were pretty comfortable. From our perspective, we feel like we could have had more than two but two was enough which is the main thing.”
A few of the players who missed time during pre-season got more match minutes today and the gaffer thinks that will serve them well.
“Certain players really need this time on the pitch. Stuart Bannigan got 90 minutes today which will be big for him, Scott Tiffoney got a half, Zak Rudden got nearly 70 minutes and there are other guys too. Every game we play is moving us in the right direction in terms of that sharpness and fitness.”
Like against Dunfermline seven days prior, it was Rudden and Graham on the scoresheet for Thistle and McCall was pleased to see his frontmen finding the back of the net again.
“I felt we could have got the ball into them more in the first half particularly. We played it about well at times and had a lot of possession but you’ve got to use the strikers. We did it more as the game went on and that turned into the goals we got.
“I want to mention Ross MacIver as well who put in a really good shift when he came on too so I was pleased with what I saw from all three of the strikers today.”
It’s Dumbarton up next for the Jags with qualification still a possibility but the manager was still cautious about the chances of progression with two difficult games left to play.
“We’re focused on Tuesday night, if we can win that one then we’ve got a chance going to St. Mirren but it’ll be a tough match against Dumbarton. Hopefully we can carry a bit of confidence from today’s win into Tuesday and get a bit of momentum going.”
Further reaction with Thistle gaffer Ian McCall is available for JagZone subscribers to watch – log in to view.
We’ll also have extended highlights and a full game replay of today’s match on JagZone tonight.
Article Copyright © 2021. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 17 July, 2021
Premier Sports Cup 
Ochilview Park
Thistle come from behind to claim their first win of season 2021-2022.
An Orr penalty after 31 minutes gave the home side a half time lead but an early second half goal from Zak Rudden, from a Tiffoney assist, and a Brian Graham header from a Richard Foster cross was enough to turn things around for The Jags.
Thistle are under a bit of pressure before Tiffoney nips in to take the ball before he is fouled at the edge of the Thistle box.
Docherty sends a cross into the box after the second of Turner's corners is cleared. He finds the head of Holt but Marshall is well placed to save.
The corner goes all the way to the back post and Forbes but he snatches at the chance and the ball goes wide.
Stenhousemuir win a free kick near the right Thistle corner flag as tempers get frayed just for a second.
Turner and MacIver combine well but MacIver's shot is just a little too direct at Marshall who is able to push the ball away.
Bell is able to usher Forbes' back post corner out for a goal kick.
Thistle are in front. Foster, who switched from right to left back at half time, crosses from the left and Graham's applies the finish to Foster's excellent cross with a firm, well directed, header.
Graham gets a flick to a Holt free kick but Marshall is untroubled and makes a very comfortable save.
Rudden's flick from Tiffoney cross goes wide of goal.
Turner has a chance for Thistle but he doesn't make clean contact with his shot from inside the Stenhousemuir box with the result that Marshall makes an easy save.
Turner nods a Bannigan cross into the path of Docherty who doesn't make good contact with his shot and the ball goes wide of gial.
Tiffoney's first serious part of the action helps Thistle get back on level terms. He cuts in from the left and Rudden times his run perfectly to be on the end of Tiffoney's cross and he taps home from inside the 6 yard box.
Turner lays a pass back into the path of Docherty who sends his shot high over the bar.
Thistle started this match well but in the opening quarter of the game they were unable to turn their superiority into goals or, indeed, much in the way of clear cut openings.
The home side came more into things as the half progressed and while you wouldn't have said they were the better side when they took the lead, when a soft looking penalty was converted by Orr, they were starting to put Thistle under a little pressure.
A Docherty show that smacked off the base of the post nearly produced an immediate Thistle equaliser but in truth Thistle's response to falling behind has been poor.
Bannigan finds Holt on the left hand side of the Stenhousemuir box but he can't find a Thistle man with his cross.
A Hughes free kick from wide on the left nearly produces a chance for the home side but nobody can get enough of a touch on the ball to direct it goalward.
A long ball forward finds Graham who takes a good touch before seeing his shot blocked by McKenna.
Marshall is off his line quickly to collect the ball as Bell heads on Turner's corner.
Thistle almost make an immediate response with Docherty's effort from the edge of the box smashing off the foot of the post.
Stone dives to his left but Orr sends his penalty to the right hand corner and the home side have the lead.
Graham is adjudged to have been bundled to the ground.
A Forbes free kick deep into the Thistle box provides an opening for Stenhousemuir and Orr but Stone makes himself a big target to beat and passes his first test as a Thistle player with flying colours.
With men waiting for a cross Murray's delivery is poor after he collects a pass from Holt.
The corner tries to find Hughes' late run to the back post but Murray matches that run with the result that the Stenhousemuir player can do no more than knock the ball behind for a goal kick.
Good chance for the home side as a cross comes in from the left but Orr can't direct the ball goalwards.
Turner's corner goes front post this time and Bell's run allows him to meet the corner but he can't control his header and the ball goes wide with no threat to the home goal.
Turner, but nobody else, is appealing for handball and a Thistle penalty as he attempts to get a McKenna pass under control.
Turner's corner is headed clear before a Graham shot thumps off a defender.
Stone makes a confident stop from Jamieson's effort from the left corner of the Thistle box.
Thistle are close to taking the lead. Rudden threads through a great ball for Turner who has a clear sight of goal but a home defender makes a tremendous block when a Thistle goal looked likely.
Forbes takes a free kick wide on the left that causes Thistle a flutter of anxiety before it goes out for a goal kick.
Graham plays a clever ball forward that finds Murray who has space on the right hand side of the box. He lashes his shot high over the crossbar though.
Murray, who has started on the left, collects the ball out wide and cuts inside but his right foot cross to the back post is too strong and goes out of play for a Stenhousemuir goal kick.
Turner's corner is cleared. Thistle pick the ball up again and Foster tries to find Graham at the back post but the ball drifts out for a goal kick.
First hint of a chance as Orr gets the ball in behind the Thistle defence. he's some distance out though and Stone makes an easy save.
Thistle kick the game off and will be shooting towards the covered terracing end in the opening 45 minutes.
Thistle make three changes from the side that began the competitive action with defeat against Dunfermline last Saturday.
In come Harry Stone, who makes his Thistle debut in goal, Ciaran McKenna and Zak Ruddden.
Jamie Sneddon, Scott Tiffoney drop to the bench while Tam O'Ware misses out completely.