cinch Championship
Fri 15 October, 2021. Kick Off: - 19:45
Fountain of Youth Stadium
Fixture Information:
Ticketing:
Tickets are available to purchase online for Friday evening priced as follows:
Adults – £20
Concessions (under 16s and over 65s) – £10
Thistle fans will be situated in Spice of Life Stand located behind the goal at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
Tickets can be purchased online right up to kick off on Friday evening from: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/club/hamilton-academicals-fc
Jags fans are encouraged to purchase their ticket online ahead of Friday to ensure quick entry into the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
Any supporter who purchased tickets for our Premier Sports Cup tie against Stenhousemuir earlier this season will already have a fanbase account, and can use these details to log in and purchase tickets for Friday’s game. These supporters just need to open the app, follow Hamilton and purchase their tickets.
Livestream
There will be no livestream provided by Hamilton Accies for this Friday’s game at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
The game is, however, being broadcast live on BBC Scotland with coverage starting at 7:30pm, 15 minutes before kick-off.
Audio Commentary
Our JagZone audio commentary service will be back on Friday night with full coverage of our cinch Championship clash with Hamilton.
Join our commentary team as they bring you comprehensive coverage of the match from 7:15pm.
To listen to the broadcast, simply log in to your Jagzone account, click on the audio commentary tab and press the play button on the player.
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 18:15
Station Bar – 18:30
For seats call Duncan 07979496154 or e-mail
John Lambie Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 18:15
Thornwood Bar – 18:20
Prices:
Adults – £11
Concessions – £7
Booking is essential and priority will be given to former members and regulars. Seating will be limited and face-coverings must worn: this follows instructions from the coach company.
To make a booking phone or e-mail Alistair on 07817612563 or Alternatively phone or e-mail Iain on 07779668357 or
North-West Branch:
Pick ups:
Milngavie Railway Station – 18:00
Esquire House, Anniesland – 18:20
Maryhill Community Central Halls – 18:35
Fares:
Full fare – £11
Concessions – £6.50
Please remember that the wearing of a face covering is mandatory at all times when on the North-West bus and will remain so until government guidelines are changed.
Partick Thistle return to league action this week as they head to the Fountain of Youth Stadium for their final game of the first round of cinch Championship fixtures. Hamilton Accies are the opposition and the Jags know a Friday night win would send them back into the top four at the expense of Raith Rovers ahead of Saturday’s games. Both sides come into the clash off the back of wins in their previous league matches with Thistle handily dispatching of Ayr United at Firhill a fortnight ago while Hamilton were 2-1 victors against league leaders Inverness in their most recent Championship contest. Jags boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game:
“This is a game with a lot riding on it for us. If we can win it then we feel like that will have been a pretty good start to the season but if we lose and teams above us pick up points on Saturday then we’ll be left very disappointed.
“It’s just as important for Hamilton though and they’ll be keen to build on what was a very impressive win over Inverness a couple of weeks ago so I think it’ll be a tight game, it tends to be that way when you go to Hamilton, and we’ll need to be prepared for a tough match.
“We played brilliantly in our last league game and then were obviously disappointed with how things went against Queen of the South albeit we felt we controlled large parts of the game but we have to put those games behind us now and focus on performing well against Accies.”
The Jags currently sit six points ahead of second bottom and just four points off second top which McCall says typifies the competitive nature of the Championship.
“Yeah, it’s still very close right throughout the league and I think it’ll probably stay that way for a while yet. The thing is for us, we feel like there were points there to be won in the games we’ve lost so we could be even closer to the top of the league but we can’t dwell on that, we have to look forward and there’s another chance for three points against Hamilton this week.”
With it being so close from top to bottom in the division at the moment, the gaffer knows the importance three points on Friday could have for his side.
“We’ve said all along that we want to be in that top four but that’s going to be a real challenge. We lost three games in a row which lost us some ground on a few teams but getting that big win against Ayr got us back on track. Despite that, there are still teams like Hamilton who aren’t that far behind us and will still definitely fancy their chances of getting up into the play-offs as well so we need to make sure we keep getting points on the board.”
To finish, McCall gave us an update on team news ahead of the trip to the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
“It’s just Darren Brownlie, Steven Bell and Harry Stone who are out at the moment. Steven Bell had a bit of a set-back with his injury and we’re going to have a chat about how to progress with that next week. As for Harry, he picked up a little knock a couple of weeks ago which he’s recovering from. We hope to have him back training next week.”
Exclusive video interviews with Ross Docherty and Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally will be available for JagZone subscribers to watch today – log in to view.
JagZone subscribers will be able to tune in to live audio commentary for our clash with Queen of the South, starting at 7:15pm – click here to tune in.
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.
It was a trip to the Fountain of Youth Stadium for the first time since 2019 for Partick Thistle as they looked to put the disappointment of SPFL Trust Trophy elimination behind them against Hamilton Accies.
Both sides came into the contest following victories in their most recent league games with the Jags having beaten Ayr United 4-0 while Accies had defeated league leaders Inverness 2-1.
There were three changes made to the side which started against Queen of the South in the Challenge Cup with Lewis Mayo, Richard Foster and Stuart Bannigan all brought back into the starting line-up.
Thistle started on top and got a reward for their early positivity when Zak Rudden gave them the lead in the seventh minute. A Cammy Smith corner made its way into the six-yard box and bobbled up in the goalmouth area with both Zak Rudden and Kevin Holt going for it. Between them the pair forced the ball over the line with the former seemingly getting the telling touch. Unfortunately for the Jags, Holt picked up a facial injury as he went for the ball and had to be replaced by Ciaran McKenna.
The away side went very close to a second goal after 27 minutes as Brian Graham sought his tenth goal of the season. The Thistle number nine was able to meet a Richard Foster cross into the box but his header spun agonisingly wide of the far post.
Hamilton’s best effort of the opening 45 minutes came when Josh Mullin tried his luck from 25 yards. The former Livingston midfielder got away from Ross Docherty in the middle of the park for once and found enough space to take a shot. The number 16 looked to drill it low into the bottom corner but Jamie Sneddon was down sharply to hold.
After a strong end to the first half, Hamilton would have been hoping to kick on after the break but it wasn’t to be as the Jags made it two in the 52nd minutes. Scott Tiffoney picked the ball up on the left flank and drove towards the byline, firing the ball across the face of goal. All it needed was a slight touch to take it into the back of the net and Brian Graham applied that touch to take his goals tally into the double figures for the season.
Buoyed by that lead-doubling goal, the Maryhill men added a third five minutes later. A long throw into the box was flicked on by Ross Docherty into the feet of Brian Graham who in turn fed the ball to Zak Rudden. The number ten let the ball run across his body before slotting home with his left foot past the despairing goalkeeper.
A fourth sharply followed with Scott Tiffoney getting a goal to go with his earlier assist. The winger won the ball in a 50/50 challenge against Miko Virtanen, bursting towards the box and playing a one-two with Brian Graham. The return pass was perfectly weighted for Tiffoney and he was able to produce the finish to match, making it 4-0 to Ian McCall’s side.
There was still more to come from the Jags and substitute Connor Murray was next to get in on the act. Zak Rudden was the provider this time as he held the ball up well near the half-way line and played a terrific through ball into Murray’s path. The number 17 raced away from the Accies defence and coolly finished past Ryan Fulton.
Thistle had one more goal in them and it was Brian Graham who got it as he secured his third brace of the season. Again Scott Tiffoney was central to things as he bamboozled two Hamilton defenders at the corner of the box before squaring the ball to Connor Murray who tried to find the back of the net from ten yards. His shot ricocheted off the post into Brian Graham’s path and the striker made no mistake in poking the ball home from close range.
Hamilton did manage to get a consolation through David Moyo in the 89th minute but it didn’t take the gloss off of an absolutely tremendous victory for the Jags.
Next up for Ian McCall’s team is the visit of Dunfermline Athletic to Firhill next weekend as the club celebrates the 50th anniversary of our 1971 League Cup triumph. Kick-off is 3pm.
The management team’s written previews and reactions are presented by The Jags Trust. You can keep up to date with the latest from The Jags Trust by visiting their website, www.jagstrust.com.
Partick Thistle returned to cinch Championship action in emphatic fashion this evening as the Jags hit Hamilton for six at the Fountain of Youth Stadium. An early Zak Rudden goal proved to be the only goal of a tightly-contested first half but a second half barrage from the away side spelt disaster for Accies. Brian Graham put Thistle two up before quick-fire strikes from Zak Rudden and Scott Tiffoney put the Maryhill men in a very commanding position. Connor Murray came off the bench to add a fifth which was followed by another Brian Graham goal to make it six. David Moyo scored a late consolation to save a bit of face for the hosts but it didn’t take the shine off an utterly incredible performance from Thistle. Jags boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the game:
“I’m absolutely delighted with that. Performances like that one don’t come along very often so we’ve got to enjoy them when they come. We started well and deserved the goal we got but Hamilton came back into it towards the end of the first half and it looked like we were set for a tight game but we were just relentless after half-time.”
Thistle’s frontline ran riot after the interval and the gaffer said it was terrific to see the attackers playing with so much confidence.
“We looked like scoring whenever we had the ball for a spell in that second half and we were taking our chances as well. There have been a few games where we’ve threatened to score six but maybe been a bit wasteful with the odd chance; tonight we were clinical and it was great to see the team enjoying their football so much.
“Brian Graham and Zak Rudden were both brilliant with the goals they got but also the way they linked play and set up others for chances. Scott Tiffoney was on fire as well and when he’s in that sort of mood there’s no one who can stop him in this league.”
The team didn’t quite manage to keep their clean sheet in the end with David Moyo netting a late consolation but the boss was still full of praise for his backline.
“We lost Kevin Holt very early and that could have unsettled us but we regrouped brilliantly. Ciaran McKenna came on and I thought he slotted in perfectly. Richard Foster was outstanding I thought and the two centre-halves did an excellent job again too. Jamie is gutted that he didn’t get his clean sheet which is a good attitude to have but he shouldn’t get too down on himself.”
Next up for Thistle is a home match against Dunfermline and McCall knows the big win tonight won’t count for anything come 3pm next Saturday.
“Just as we put a defeat behind at the start of the next week, we have to do it with a win. If you get too hung up on how good you were last week then you let your levels drop but we know we can’t afford to do that in this league.
“It’s going to be another important game next Saturday and we need to prepare properly so that’ll start on Monday. For now, I hope the fans really enjoy that one because they deserve it.”
Further reaction from Thistle manager Ian McCall will be available for JagZone subscribers to watch tonight – 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.
Fri 15 October, 2021
cinch Championship 
Fountain of Youth Stadium
Leading by a Zak Rudden goal at half-time Thistle produce a scintillating second half display and run out emphatic 6-1 winners.
Brian Graham doubles the Thistle lead after 52 minutes before before Xak Rudden's second of the night made it 3-0 five minutes later.
Scott Tiffoney made it 4-0 just after the hour mark with sub Connor Murray getting in on the act with a 5th goal.
5-0 became 6-0 when Brian Graham tapped home after a Murray shot came off the post.
A late David Moyo goal denied Thistle a clean sheet but took little gloss off a quite sensational at times second half display.
Minimum of 2 minutes additional time to be played.
There are shouts, almost exclusively from the away support, for a Thistle penalty as Rudden shields the ball at the edge of the box.
Hamilton pull one back and they probably deserve it. Moyo is able to head home following a corner from the Hamilton right.
Hastie tests the home keeper with a shot from the edge of the box but Fulton is able to save above his head and just under the crossbar.
Hamilton are trying to salvage some kind of pride and are close to scoring but Ryan's net bound shot hits a defender and spins clear.
Want is able to flick the corner towards the Thistle goal but Sneddon collects.
Mullin is a foot or so wide with a free kick from just outside the Thistle box.
If you saw this coming can you tell me the lottery numbers for the weekend please.
It's 6 (SIX) for Thistle.
Tiffoney bursts past two defenders and squares to Murray. His shot comes off the post but Graham is there to tap home.
Easy, easy, easy are the chants from the Thistle fans as Connor Murray races clear of the home defence after some superb play from Rudden and slots the ball past Fulton.
McKenna thumps the corner clear as Moyo goes to ground
Ryan's shot deflects off Foster who across quickly to block.
Tempers rise and there is a flurry of yellow cards, including one for Thistle manager Ian McCall, after a challenge inside the Hamilton half.
Thistle are running riot here and it's a magnificent fourth goal. The Accies defence is sliced open as Tiffoney and Graham work a slick one-two with Tiffoney finishing confidently.
Popescu ends up on the ground as the corner comes over. He looks at the referee looking for something but that would have been the softest of penalties.
Thistle have a third goal. Graham touches the ball back into the path of Rudden whose low shot wrong foots Fulton who watches the ball find the net.
Hamilton can't deal with Bannigan's free kick and Tiffoney again collects and delivers another excellent ball across the face of goal but this time no Thistle player is on the end of it.
Rudden holds the ball up well and draws a foul from the Hamilton defender winning Thistle a free kick in a dangerous position.
Thistle double their lead. Tiffoney is able to collect a Foster pass wide on the left. He cuts inside into the box and his low cross is driven high into the net by Brian Graham.
Hamilton are unable to make anything of MacDonald's corner.
Mayo gets just enough of a header to get a dangerous ball clear albeit at the expense of a corner.
Tiffoney gets the ball over from the left. Graham is able to glance a header towards goal but can't get enough power on it or sufficient direction to get away from Fulton.
Bannigan takes the free kick and finds the head of Rudden but Fulton is well placed to save.
Thistle win a free kick about 30 yards out and left of centre. A little too far out for a direct effort on goal.
First chance of the second half comes the way of the home side. Matheson has an opportunity at an angle on the right hand side of the box but be loses balance a little as he shoots and the ball goes wide.
McKenna powers down the right. Thistle look for a corner when he crosses but there is no joy there.
Thistle get the second half underway.
It's not been a great advert for the cinch Championship but the better of the football in a game low in quality has come from Thistle.
Thistle took an early lead when Zak Rudden hooked home a Cammy Smith corner after just 6 minutes.
Thistle though had to reorganise as Holt was injured the corner and was unable to continue.
A glancing header from Graham nearly produced a second Thistle goal.
The home side finished the half the stronger and have had some joy in wide areas but Sneddon has only been called into serious action once, saving well from Mullin.
Minimum of three minutes additional time.
Bannigan takes the free kick and a Thistle head does get on the end of it but the ball drops harmlessly wide.
Smith is fouled as he tries to get clear down the right and Thistle will have a free kick and a chance to test the home defence.
Mullin gets up ahead of McKenna to reach MacDonald's free kick but Sneddon is off his line to take charge and collect the ball.
Foster tugs back Smith and Hamilton have a free kick wide on the right. There is a lecture for Foster but no yellow card.
Mullin gets away from Docherty in the middle of the pitch and advances to the edge of the box where his powerful shot is well saved and held by Sneddon.
Smith, Rudden and Graham try and create an opening at the edge of the box but the ball won't sit down for any of them.
Hamilton look for another corner as Virtanen comes down the right but much to the frustration of the home crowd a goal kick is signalled.
It's a packed six yard box that waits for MacDonald's corner. It's a decent corner but nobody is able to get a touch to and the ball goes out for a Thistle goal kick.
Foster puts over another decent ball from the left that Smith is too far away from getting on the end of it but Fulton collects.
Thistle aren't far away from a second. Tiffoney does well to work the ball out to Foster on the left and Graham glances his cross just wide of goal.
Hamilton are starting to get some joy down the Thistle right. On this occasion MacDonald's cross is cleared by Akinola.
There is half a chance for Smith at the edge of the box but he is unable to keep his shot down and it clears the crossbar.
A quick Hamilton break nearly catches Thistle out. Mullin collects the ball wide on the left and sends over a cross that Ryan get stretch far enough to get on the end of it. Best spell in the match so far from the home side.
Foster is back on his feet after picking up a knock at the corner of the Thistle box. He seems okay.
Not much has happened since the Thistle goal but Want does get his head to a Redfern free kick but it is an easy save for Sneddon.
Foster has switched to left to fill the role vacated by the injured Holt with sub McKenna slotting in at right back.
It's an early end to Kevin Holt's night. He takes a kick to the face as Smith's corner for the goal comes over. There is little celebration at the goal as Brian Graham immediately signals for the physio to come on. After a lengthy delay Holt is replaced.
From that corner Thistle take the lead as Rudden bravely forces the ball in with boots flying.
Thistle win the game's first corner.
It's been a largely uneventful first few minutes but Thistle are just starting to exert a little pressure on the Hamilton goal.
We're underway. Thistle will defending the goal at the away end in the first half.
It's back to league action this evening at Hamilton and back to the starting eleven that impressed so much last time out in the league against Ayr United.
Indeed it's back to the same seven substitutes as well.