SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 21 October, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Fixture details:
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Adults £22
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Kevin Nisbet and Jordan Turnbull
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Opens to all supporters at 11:45
Blast from the Past:
Half Time Legend performing 50/50 draw:
Brian Gallagher
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Available around Firhill for only £3
Last Saturday’s loss to Kilmarnock has left Partick Thistle bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership, without a win nine games into the new campaign. The defeat by Killie has piled the pressure on Thistle as they desperately look for that first win of the season to lift the mood around the club. No one has felt the burden of that task more than Jags boss, Alan Archibald, who has spent all week looking for the perfect set-up to topple Neil McCann’s Dundee. Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of tomorrow vital clash.
Firstly, Archie spoke about the disappointment felt throughout the squad following last weekend’s lacklustre display.
“Monday was always going to be a tough day but we just had to regroup and the lads needed to pick their heads up. We’ve been here before so we know what it feels like and we also know that there’s only one way to address it; hard work going into our next game.”
The gaffer spoke about the experience the squad have of slow starts and how they can try to use that positively in their current situation.
“We have to try to draw from the past. That’s something anyone can do; look back at their experiences whether it’s good or bad and we’re looking to do just that. However, just because we’ve escaped similar situations in the past doesn’t mean that we definitely will this time, we still have to put in a lot of work to turn things around.”
Alan then mentioned the importance of picking up points in the fixtures against teams around us. His side failed to do so against Kilmarnock but the Jags play Dundee and Hamilton in their next two fixtures which offer Thistle the chance to take points from fellow bottom six sides.
“It’s still relatively early in the season but these games are six-pointers. Other managers are saying the same; these games can be the difference between survival and otherwise. If we win tomorrow, we’re just two points behind them and on the other hand, if they win they open up a big gap between themselves and the bottom so the next two games are very important and the players know exactly how important they are.”
Although many think that Thistle’s current squad is the club’s strongest in a while, Thistle boss, Archibald, noted how injuries have hampered his chances to find a good balance in the squad.
“If everyone was fit, this would be the best squad I’ve had by a fair bit but that’s not the case obviously. Last week we had eight senior players missing and any team would struggle with that many out. At the end of the day though, no matter how many were out, there were eleven on that pitch last week and not enough of them turned up.”
Archie then mentioned Andy McCarthy who came off the bench and performed impressively against Killie.
“Things are different for Andy because he had a six-game Development League ban which has meant he’s not played much football this season. He did very well in the time he got last week so he’s in and around the squad, no doubt.”
We also got an update on Thistle’s long injury list ahead of the Dundee clash.
“Steven Lawless is back from illness, he’s trained well this week and Kevin Nisbet was out with a concussion from last Tuesday so he’ll be back in the squad. The rest haven’t changed.”
Archie now makes his final preparations for tomorrow’s vital Ladbrokes Premiership game against Dundee. Kick-off is 15:00 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
More exclusive preview interviews with Kris Doolan, Steven Lawless and Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald are now available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them. Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game from midnight.
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Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Nine games into the Ladbrokes Premiership and things were beginning to look grim for Partick Thistle going into their clash with Dundee at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill. No league wins and sitting in 12th place, Thistle were in danger of falling away from the pack. Dundee sat five points above the Jags before play began with just one loss in their last four league games with that defeat being a narrow 1-0 at Celtic Park.
Tomas Cerny retained his starting place for Thistle with Daniel Devine and Niall Keown in the centre-half slots. Jordan Turnbull started at left-back for the first time in Thistle colours while Paul McGinn moved back over to his natural right-side to complete the back-line. The Jags went with a midfield three; Adam Barton, Ryan Edwards and Andrew McCarthy being the men in the middle of the park. Steven Lawless returned from illness to start on the left with Chris Erskine on the opposite flank. The lone striker was the on-loan Conor Sammon.
Thistle haven’t been able to keep a league clean sheet yet this season and that trend would be continued when Dundee took the lead nine minutes in. Andrew McCarthy slipped in the middle of the park and that allowed Glen Kamara to move into the Jags’ box. He played a ball forward to Sofien Moussa who under Jordan Turnbull’s challenge managed to direct the ball towards goal and past Tomas Cerny. The shot was rolling in but Daniel Devine recovered magnificently to clear the ball off the goal-line. However, the clearance fell straight to Kevin Holt. Dundee’s number three then fired it back towards goal and when it skipped up off Devine’s leg, it fell to Ajay Leitch-Smith who nodded home into the empty net giving the Tayside outfit the advantage.
The hosts almost pulled level in spectacular fashion in the 13th minute through Ryan Edwards. Conor Sammon won an aerial duel heading the ball down to Edwards and the Australian spotted Dundee ‘keeper, Scott Bain, off his line. He went for the audacious shot, launching an effort from all of 40 yards and it almost found the goal with the ball landing on the roof of the net and Bain scrambling back towards his goal.
The travelling Dundee side were handed a golden opportunity to double their lead with 20 minutes gone. Daniel Devine attempted a clearance down the right flank but his long ball ricocheted off Niall Keown, landing at the feet of Ajay Leitch-Smith. The deadlock-breaking Englishman broke forward into space with no defenders left to beat and knocked the ball past Tomas Cerny. The Czech goalkeeper made a dive for the ball but ended up wiping out the attacker. Euan Anderson pointed to the spot, brandished a yellow card for Cerny and Dundee now had a great chance to go two up. The man who won the spot kick took it and Ajay Leitch-Smith stepped up looking for a brace securing goal. He drilled it down the middle but Tomas Cerny made the save with his legs, keeping the Jags within touching distance of their opposition.
Both sides saw half-chances go begging before the break but the sides went into the interval at 1-0. Thistle’s performance had been better than it was in their previous two games but they still found themselves trailing by a goal at half-time as they did against Motherwell and Kilmarnock. They had created some openings but were lucky to be just one behind considering some of the opportunities that Dundee had to double the deficit, namely the missed penalty.
Alan Archibald made three substitutions early in the second half, between the 55th and 63rd minute. Miles Storey, Blair Spittal and Kris Doolan were all introduced with Andrew McCarthy, Chris Erskine and Conor Sammon being withdrawn.
As the game moved on it was looking like Dundee might see the game out but Ryan Edwards popped up in the 75th minute to grab an equaliser. A Blair Spittal cross was misjudged by Josh Meekings and the ball skipped through to Paul McGinn who controlled on the right of the box. He shot low on goal but Bain made a save. The ‘keeper couldn’t hold, though, and Kris Doolan got to the spilled ball first. The striker tried a shot which was saved but the rebound fell to Ryan Edwards who shinned home to make it 1-1.
The Dark Blues almost retook the lead just three minutes later when Sofien Moussa had a big chance with 12 minutes to go. Glen Kamara found Roarie Deacon with a lovely ball into the box and the pacey wide-man squared the ball to Sofien Moussa. The striker had the goal at his mercy and turned it onto the target. His shot was goal-bound but Tomas Cerny flew across the face of the goal to make a wonderful left-handed save to deny the Tunisian before collecting the ball.
The game was one which seemed to have another goal in it and that goal came in injury time and it came for the home side. Jordan Turnbull controlled the ball in the middle of the pitch and played an excellently weighted pass into Kris Doolan who was being played on by Jack Hendry. The talismanic forward then squared a well-timed ball across the box to Miles Storey who finished the chance from point-blank range, netting his first goal in the red and yellow of Partick Thistle.
The Jags would see the game out, securing their first win of the 2017/18 league season. Miles Storey’s late goal securing the three points for the Jags as they ensure they’re not cut adrift at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table.
Alan Archibald and the rest of the squad now turn their attentions to Tuesday night when they travel to take on Hamilton Accies. Kick-off from the SuperSeal Stadium is 19:45.
Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Following a winless start to the league season, Partick Thistle finally picked up a victory in the Ladbrokes Premiership against Dundee in Maryhill. Dundee took an early lead when Ajay Leitch-Smith nodded home the opener from close range but the Dee’s goal scorer failed to add a second from the penalty spot in the first half. The visitors would be made to regret the missed spot kick when Ryan Edwards levelled things with fifteen minutes to go. Following the equaliser, Tomas Cerny pulled off a sensational save to deny Sofien Moussa a goal before Thistle substitute, Miles Storey netted his first Jags goal in 92nd minute to earn hosts their first league win of the new campaign. Partick Thistle assistant manager, Scott Paterson spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game.
Thistle’s win wasn’t the prettiest and came with some luck for the Jags but Scotty emphasised that at this point of the season considering the side’s situation, it didn’t matter how the win came but rather that it did.
“The main thing for us is that we’ve got that win. We’re in the dressing room at half-time and we’re still in the game. Yes, Tomas Cerny has saved a penalty but we’re still just 1-0 down. I think in the end, the players deserve so much credit. Considering the run we’ve been on it would be easy for them to fall away because over the last two games we’ve gone into the break one down and gone on to lose but they showed a lot of character today. Everyone’s delighted with the effort and we’re glad they pulled through to get the three points.”
Paterson was very complimentary of Dundee who really tested Thistle today and created some good chances throughout the game.
“They’re a good team. I’ve watched them a few times and they’re very good on their day. I think some of that comes from confidence after that early goal; it gives them that impetus to go for another. At the end of the day, Tomas has made two brilliant saves and if he hadn’t made those saves, maybe it would be Dundee taking the three points.”
The former Thistle player also mentioned the bench today as the Jags named seven substitutes for the first time since September the 15th.
“Last week the injuries meant that we had a weaker bench than we’d like but three players came back in for the game this afternoon. The substitutes played their part. I thought Blair Spittal looked really dangerous when he came on and obviously, Kris Doolan and Miles Storey link up for the winner. Also, on that topic, we’re delighted for Miles to get off them mark because we feel he’s got what it takes to be a big player here and hopefully this is the start of that.”
There’s not much time for celebration for Scott Paterson, Alan Archibald and the Thistle squad as they face the prospect of a trip to the SuperSeal Stadium on Tuesday to take on Hamilton. Kick-off against Accies is 19:45.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Ryan Edwards and Miles Storey. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
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Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 21 October, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
What a time to score your first Thistle goal. Miles Storey injury time strike capping a Thistle fightback as they win their first league game of the season.
Tomas Cerny with a first half penalty save at 1-0 down and a point blank save in the second half at 1-1 was another Jag hero.
Storey wins a free kick deep inside the Dundee half.
Doolan squares the ball for Storey who has the easy job of tucking the ball home from 6 yards out.
Thistle break but Spittal's touch lets him down and the ball goes out for a Dundee goal kick.
Minimum of 3 minutes additional time to be played.
The referee upsets the home fans again as he pulls play back for a foul as Spittal gets clear.
Neither set of fans is happy with the referee as the moment.
Storey cuts inside but from the corner of the box shoots well off target.
McGinn's cross from the right is too near Bain.
Curran manages to find room inside the Thistle box but shoots widely across the face of goal.
Edwards is rather harshly booked.
Cerny makes an excellent save to deny Moussa from point blank range inside the Thistle 6 yard box and when a Dundee goal looked certain.
Bain can't hold a McGinn shot and although Doolan is unable to force the ball home Edwards is on hand to do so and level the scores.
Curran lifts a shot over the Thistle crossbar.
Spittal wins the ball and pushes into Storey who can't get clear of the covering defenders and when he does shoot the ball is deflected wide.
Cerny makes an easy save from a Deacon shot.
Holt's free kick curls out of play at the back post.
Dundee win a free kick near the right hand corner of the Thistle box after a foul from Lawless.
Sammon shields the ball and manages to find Lawless to his left but he is penalised and Dundee have a free kick.
Sammon makes a good run but there is too much pace on Erskine's pass.
Sammon nods on for Erskine bue he can't find a way past the two defenders in his way.
Leitch-Smith again threatens the Thistle goal and he fires wide from 15 yards out.
McGinn stumbles near the half way line which allows Dundee to advance. Firstly Leitch-Smith sees a shot hit a defender before sub Deacon shoots over the bar.
Erskine plays the ball to Sammon who gets past a defender but can't find room for a shot and when he crosses the ball breaks of him for a Dundee goal kick.
Dundee appeal for a penalty when a Leitch-Smith shot strikes a Thistle defender.
Thistle find themselves behind at the break after Ajay Leitch-Smith put Dundee into an early lead.
Thistle are a little unfortunate to be behind at the break but equally could be further behind and would had been had Tomas Cerny not saved a Leitch-Smith penalty.
Minimum of 1 minute of additional time to be played.
It's a Thistle head that is on the end of Erskine's corner but the ball drops harmlessly wide of goal.
Thistle only partially clear the corner and the ball finds it's way to Moussa who from an angle shoots over the Thistle crossbar.
Erskine's free kick is cleared but Thistle remain on the attack.
McCarthy is held back at the left hand corner of the Dundee penalty box.
No shortage of action and Curran is next to have an effort at goal but his shot from 20 yards out is wide of Cerny's right hand post.
Moussa has too much space inside the Thistle box and he should do better than head a Curran cross wide.
It's not a poor corner from Erskine but Keown pushes a defender in his attempt to reach it and Dundee have a free kick.
Could this be a turning point both for today and the season? Leitch-Smith takes the penalty himself and Cerny's outstretched foot keeps the ball out.
Devine's clearance smashes off Keown and right into the path of Leitch-Smith right in front of goal. Cerny hauls him down for an abvious penalty.
Dundee's pace on the break is a real threat and Spence advances before screwing a shot across the face of goal that Moussa can't force home at the back post.
Barton's neat pass finds Edwards in space about 30 yards from goal. Edwards again shoots for goal but doesn't make clean contact with the ball although Bain still has to get down low to save.
Sammon does really well to win the ball and nod back to Edwards who tries to find the net from fully 40 yards out as a shade unlucky to see the ball land on the roof of the net.
Erskine's corner causes problems but Keown can't force the ball home.
A great ball from Erskine looks destined for the head of Sammon but a Dundee defender gets the ball away.
Kamara's run puts Thistle on the back foot but when the ball is cleared off the line Thistle look to have cleared the immediate danger. Dundee, however, collect the ball and a driven cross is knocked home from close range by Leitch-Smith.
Erskine's free kick is met by the head of Devine and it takes a good stop near his post from Bain to keep the ball out.
McGinn's pass finds Edwards down the right and he is fouled giving Thistle a free kick near the touchline.
It's Dundee that are doing the early running and Moussa isn't too far off target with a header from 8 yards out.
Not a half chance for Dundee this time but a clear cut opening with Leitch-Smith forcing Cerny into a smart save with the loose ball knoced wide for a Thistle goal kick.
Nearly a half chance for Dundee as Leitch-Smith skips past Barton but his cross can't find a Dundee player and Thistle clear.
Alan Archibald has made 4 changes to his starting eleven as Thistle again look to record their first league win of the season.
Into the side come Jordan Turnbull, Steven Lawless, Conor Sammon and Andrew McCarthy.
Dropping to the bench are Blair Spittal, Kris Doolan, Milan Nitriansky and Miles Storey.
Also making a welcome return to the substitute bench after a long term injury is midfielder Gary Fraser.