SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Wed 13 December, 2017. Kick Off: - 19:45
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Fixture details:
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Adults £22
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Under 16s FREE
Saturday’s trip to Ayrshire was a tough one to take for everyone associated with Partick Thistle Football Club but the hard work to put it right started immediately. With Motherwell visiting the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill on Wednesday Archibald’s men have the perfect opportunity to bounce straight back. Indeed it was the Firhill gaffer who spoke to ptfc.co.uk at a frosty Lesser Hampden ahead of the team’s training session on Tuesday.
Archie said: “Saturday was definitely hurtful but it was embarrassing as well in terms of the scoreline. I don’t want to take nothing away from Kilmarnock’s performance but we absolutely need to get a reaction from the lads on Wednesday night.
“We’re at home against Motherwell and we definitely owe our fans a result after the weekend. The players know that and we know that so we just need to make sure we deliver.”
It was hard viewing for Thistle fans at Rugby Park and Archibald certainly didn’t take the result or performance lightly.
“I think Saturday was probably the worst we’ve felt as a group since I took over. The point we made to the players was that it wasn’t a Celtic, Rangers or Aberdeen who beat us it was one of our rivals. We had the chance to get within a point of them and just didn’t take it. I think that is one of the most difficult things to get over.
“There were aspects of the performance that were decent but unfortunately the manner of the goals override everything. There are people who were at the game who will say it didn’t feel like a 5-1 match and at half time we were well in the game with nothing much in it – we had some good chances. That being said, the goals we gave away were horrendous – two set plays, two individual errors and a penalty. No matter how well you play you can’t defend like that or there will be no way back for you.”
When Kilmarnock scored the third it had a clear impact on the Jags players and marked a turning point in the game.
“I think there is definitely a lack of confidence but the last couple of performances before Saturday didn’t look like that. There wasn’t really a lack of confidence against Hearts or Hibs but when that third goal went in you could see there was a real dearth of belief.
“We just have to be as positive as we can. We’ve analysed the game and watched it back with the players. We looked at what went wrong and we’ve got to try and address it when it comes to Wednesday night. Every player in that dressing room is an honest, hardworking pro and they’re desperate to put it right just like we are. Trust me, it hurt and embarrassed them on Saturday as well so there is plenty of motivation for Wednesday night against Motherwell.
“I think this is the most testing period I’ve had as a manager. We’ve gone through tough spells before but probably never quite this bad. That combined with the fact that the league is much more unforgiving too means it’s definitely up there.
“Wednesday gives us a chance to potentially get back in among the pack and that’s the beauty of football – there is nearly always an opportunity to put it right just around the corner. That’s the aim for Wednesday night and we want to give our fans something positive to shout about.
“Everyone at the club is desperate to get back on the right track, We’ve worked hard this week so hopefully that starts on Wednesday night.”
Injuries have featured heavily this season so Archibald was relieved not to have any additional issues to deal with.
“In terms of our team news there are no changes in availability since Saturday so we should have the same squad of players available for selection.”
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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.
Coming off the back of one of their heaviest defeats since promotion against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, Partick Thistle looked to bounce back with a result as Motherwell visited the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill. The Jags were without a win since late October and faced the challenge of tops six side Motherwell who comfortably beat them 3-0 at Fir Park earlier in the season.
The side underwent numerous changes although the defensive personnel stayed much the same. Tomas Cerny was in goals behind a back five of Paul McGinn, Niall Keown, Daniel Devine, Jordan Turnbull and Blair Spittal as Alan Archibald reverted to the five-at-the-back system. Thistle started with three in midfield; something that they haven’t had the chance to do much this year. Martin Woods made his first Partick Thistle start alongside Adam Barton and Ryan Edwards. The Jags attack was completely changed from the previous game as Miles Storey and Conor Sammon started together.
Thistle started well, looking dangerous in the wide areas although they were struggling to find that killer pass early on. However, their positive play was rewarded in the 16th minute when they took the lead. Conor Sammon was brought down right at the corner of the box on the Colin Weir Stand side of the park and that gave Blair Spittal a chance to try one of his trademark set pieces. Spittal curled a right-footed effort on goal, finding the net and putting the hosts one up.
Thistle didn’t hold up after the goal though as they doubled the deficit on 22 minutes. Daniel Devine just about managed to find Miles Storey with a ball out wide and the number 39 moved forward with the ball. He spotted the marauding run of Ryan Edwards who he proceeded to play through, in behind Carl McHugh. Edwards then got his foot around the ball, shooting first time and beating Griffiths to make it 2-0 to the home side.
Then just five minutes after the second, Thistle had a third. Miles Storey ragdolled Motherwell captain, Carl McHugh on the Jags’ left before squaring the ball with the outside of his foot. Allan Campbell looked to intercept but Conor Sammon nicked the ball from the youngster’s toes. He then had two options; shoot or square the ball to Ryan Edwards for a tap-in. Looking for his first Thistle goal, Sammon shot, finding the bottom corner and reeling off to celebrate as he broke his red and yellow duck and sent the Jags support into a mix of jubilation and surprise with the Jags enjoying a three-goal lead for the first time in the league since the 23rd of December last year during a game at Dingwall which kickstarted the club’s season.
The visitors’ first big opportunity of the game came eight minutes before the break through defender, Charles Dunne. It was Elliott Frear’s cross which found Dunne but when the centre-half tried to head it goalward, be caught too much of the ball and nodded it wide of the target.
The ‘Well had a couple of other half chances before the interval through Frear and Andy Rose however they didn’t make anything of them and the game reached half time at 3-0.
Stephen Robinson’s Steelemen made two changes at half time and as a result were much improved in the second half. So much so that they thought they had found a route back into the game on 54 minutes. One of the ‘Well substitutes Craig Tanner curled a free kick in from the visitors’ right. It found the head of Cedric Kipre who headed back across goal. His attempt looked to be heading in but Charles Dunne made a lunge for it and seems to get a slight touch on it. At first the goal was given but the referee deliberated with his official amongst a storm of furious Thistle players and chalked the goal off for offside against Dunne.
The denial of that goal didn’t deter the Steelmen though as they would pull one back a minute later. Elliott Frear’s corner floated into the box and Ryan Bowman peeled away from Adam Barton heading on goal. Tomas Cerny did his best to keep it out but didn’t get enough behind the ball to stop it finding the net.
The Jags were then faced with further problems when Martin Woods was forced off with some bad cramp due to a lack of match fitness. The ex-Barnsley man, who had been so good in the first 45 minutes, was replaced by Gary Fraser.
From this point on, Motherwell were the side applying all the pressure; pushing for another goal to set up a dramatic finish. The away side would eventually get that goal in the 78th minute. Craig Tanner received the ball 25 yards from goal before evading challenges from Ryan Edwards, Adam Barton and Daniel Devine. He then rifled a shot on goal, beating Tomas Cerny at the near post. Sudden to the pressure was amped up as the Steelmen moved to within one goal of a sensational second half comeback.
Miles Storey saw a curled effort go just over the bar in the 82nd minute before the Jags made their final two changes. Steven Lawless and Kris Doolan coming on for Blair Spittal and Miles Storey.
There would be two chances left in the game for Motherwell to level the score. Firstly, Richard Tait’s whipped cross found the run of Elliott Frear at the back post. The number 11 headed in goal but his effort bounced up straight into Tomas Cerny’s arms as the Czech ‘stopper grasped the ball gratefully.
Charles Dunne also has a headed opportunity as he got in the end of a free kick from deep. His headed attempt looped well over the bar though as the visitors saw their final chance go begging.
With that being the final chance of the game, the game ended 3-2 as the Jags survived the second half comeback scare. A first win since October for Thistle saw them move to within one point of 11th place.
Alan Archibald’s side now travel to Dundee on Saturday knowing that a win will move them above the Dark Blues and off the foot of the Ladbrokes Premiership table. Kick-off is 15:00 from Dens Park.
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.
A poor start to a crucial December month for Partick Thistle was amplified massively by a dreadful 5-1 defeat at the hands of Kilmarnock on Saturday. The loss represented the Jags’ fourth consecutive game without victory and left them four points behind 11th place. However, this evening, as they faced Motherwell, they produced the necessary response. Goals from Blair Spittal, Ryan Edwards and Conor Sammon saw Thistle into the break 3-0 up. There would be a fightback from Motherwell as Bowman and Tanner scored following the interval but the hosts were able to hold on for a 3-2 win that takes them to within a point of Dundee. Thistle boss, Alan Archibald, spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the match.
Archie first told us how relieved he was that his side saw the game out, keeping Motherwell from taking any points as they ramped up the pressure in the second half.
“We’ve seen Motherwell pull themselves back into games before and we knew at half time that they would react. I think we looked like a team who haven’t been winning much in that second half. We were dropping slowly deeper and there was an element of fear in the way we defended but at the end of the day I’m just pleased that we got over the line and got the three points.”
The gaffer spoke very well of Martin Woods who made his first Thistle start tonight. The ex-Barnsley midfielder played excellently at the base of the Jags’ midfield, giving his teammates in the middle of the park more freedom and solidity.
“I think in previous weeks we’ve lost our shape a bit too much during games which has cost us and that’s where Martin made the difference tonight. He was leading the others and filling in when the gaps appeared and that gave us a solid base to build on going forward. He was tired in the second half and had to come off but we have to expect that when he hasn’t started a game in over six months.”
Alan also mentioned Conor Sammon who scored his first Partick Thistle goal tonight, slotting past Russell Griffiths after stealing the ball off the toes of Allan Campbell.
“It’s been a bit stop-start for Conor since he arrived. When the team is losing games we’re going to have to try different shapes and tactics to try to find the right formula but some strikers find form in consistency. Tonight he was a handful, especially in the first half. I thought he ran the channels well and he was rewarded for is efforts; winning the free kick for the opener and getting the third himself.”
Archie was pleased with Blair Spittal tonight as well. Putting in a good performance in an unfamiliar wing-back role and grabbing the opener which represented his third free kick goal of the season.
“We know what Blair is capable of, especially from those set pieces. He started his season on fire and it feels like he’s always involved in the goals we score. His form has probably dipped a little bit along with the rest of the team but he has also had to play in different roles. He always gives his all and the application was great across the board tonight.”
Although his side did hold out for the win, Alan has highlighted set plays as an area to continue work on in training as Motherwell found some success from corners and free kicks.
“There were plenty of positive to take for the defence but we struggled with the set pieces, without a doubt. They have plenty of height and we knew that they would be good from set plays. The delivery was much better when they brought Craig Tanner on at half time and that’s when they started to get the better of us at set pieces. That will be one of the pointers we take from the game.”
Alan and his Thistle side now travel to the City of Discovery to take on Dundee this Saturday with the chance to get off the bottom of the table. Kick-off is 15:00 from Dens Park.
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Wed 13 December, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Thistle hang on for a vital three points as Motherwell pull two goals back in a second half that saw Thistle under incredible pressure.
The ball is thumped deep into the Motherwell half.
Tait gets his head to the free kick but the ball goes over the bar for a goal kick.
Motherwell have a free kick in from the left touchline.
Frear reaches a cross and the ball flies straight into the arms of Cerny.
Minimum of 4 minutes additional time to be played.
Barton gets the ball clear.
Tanner's shot is blocked before Barton steps in to clear.
Thistle Man of the Match: Ryan Edwards
It's panic stations at the back before McGinn gets the ball clear.
Storey nearly eases all the nerves with a curling shot that goes about a foot over the bar.
Storey nearly forces McHugh into an error butthe Motherwell player gets the ball clear.
Cerny catches a cross right underneath his crossbar.
Fraser and Spittal exchange passes at the edge of the box but Fraser can't find a way through to goal.
We have a game on our hands now. Tanner avoids a challenge or two before burying a low shot past Cerny.
Keown is there to head a cross clear.
Storey wins Thistle a corner.
Fraser gets into a promising position inside the Motherwell penalty area but he is unable to find a team mate and an attack breaks down.
Thistle have a free kick inside the Motherwell half.
The Thistle fans are trying to get behind their team as Motherwell continue to do virtually all the pressing.
A rare attack from Thistle but the ball is whipped away from the feet of Spittal as he collects a pass from Storey.
The ball is delivered into the Thistle box but Cerny claims it.
Motherwell win a free kick deep inside the Thistle half. Another chance to deliver a ball into the box.
Mothewrwell nearly force home the most recent corner but a nervy Thistle defence get the ball clear before an effort is hooked over the bar for a Thistle goal kick.
Cerny pushes a Bowman shot round his post.
In winning that ball Woods looks to have suffered a touch of cramp.
The outstretched foot of Woods nips the ball behind for a corner.
The referee spots a push as the corner comes over and Thistle have a free kick. Vitally important that Thistle weather this period of Motherwell pressure.
The play is all heading towards the Thistle goal at the moment. A ball deep heading deep into the Thistle box is deflected and that takes the pace off the ball allowing Cerny to gather.
This time the Motherwell goal does count. Te corner comes over and Bowman's header finds the net despite the best attempts of Cerny to keep it out.
Well we thought Motherwell had scored. Tanner's free kick being touched home by Kipre. As the Motherwell players made their way back for the restart there was a furious reaction from the Thistle players and once Robertson, who initially gave the goal, consulted with his assistant the goal was ruled out. A strange series of events.
Motherwell have a free kick about 35 yards from the Thistle goal and a chance to get the ball into the box.
Motherwell are the first to attack in the second half but Bowman sends a header from a cross from the left well wide of target.
Alan Archibald wanted a response from his players and he certainly got that with Thistle netting 3 times in the first 27 minutes.
Blair Spittal got things off and running with a beautiful free kick. Ryan Edwards made it 2-0 when he converted a Miles Storey pass and Storey was involved again when he set up Conor Sammon for the third goal.
Motherwell have reacted well to falling three behind and they have had a couple of chances to reduce the leeway before half-time suggesting that Thistle's work is far from completed yet.
Minimum of 1 minute additional time to be played.
Frear is again a threat to the Thistle goal and from 15 yards out he curls a shot not too far over the Thistle crossbar.
Grimshaw advances into the Thistle box but his route to goal is halted by a well judged challenge from Turnbull.
Frear's cross is cleared but only as far as Rose who shoots from the edge of the box. Cerny though makes a relatively comfortable save down near his right hand post.
Thistle clear Frear's corner from near the goal line but the ball is worked back to Frear. This time his cross is met by the head of Dunne who although he heads powerfully he also heads wide when he should perhaps have scored.
There is a half chance for Barton at the edge of the Motherwell box but he can't keep his shot down and the ball clears the crossbar.
Bit of pressure from Motherwell but Frear's cross is headed clear.
Storey finds Barton inside the Mothwerwell box. Barton feeds the ball back to Storey but his cross goes out of play.
It's three for Thistle. Storey is again involved with a pass to Sammon. Sammon strides forward and knocks a low shot past Griffiths for his first goal as a Thistle player.
Frear sends a cross the the back post that Rose heads back across goal but Thistle clear.
Some fine defending from Keown halts a run from Frear.
Thistle double their lead in fine fashion. Storey collects the ball on the right and his inch perfect pass picks out the forward run of Edwards and his first time shot flies into the roof of the net.
Woods' corner is cleared and Motherwell try and launch a quick counter attack but the ball goes out for a Thistle throw on the half way line.
The free kick is well defended and Thistle break quickly through Storey on the right. His cross is met by Woods whose glancing header slips wide of the far post.
Motherwell earn a free kick a yard outside the Thistle box about 6 yards from the bye line.
Spittal takes the free kick and curls a beauty into the top right hand corner leaving Griffiths with no chance. Thistle have a deserved reward for a positive opening to the game.
Sammon is fouled right at the left hand corner of the Motherwell box.
It's another decent corner from Woods this time aimed towards the back post. Motherwell clear but Barton collects the ball before it goes out and his cross is blocked.
Spittal sends over a good cross from the left. Edwards tries to get the ball under control but it gets trapped under his feet and Motherwell clear.
It's a good corner from Woods but a Motherwell defender under a little pressure heads clear.
A positive run from Storey ends with the game's first corner.
Storey whips in a great ball from the left that is just too high for Sammon. Good positive start from Thistle.
Alan Archibald has made three changes to the starting eleven from the side that lost in such disappointing fashion at Kilmarnock at the weekend.
Into the side come Conor Sammon, Martin Woods, who makes his first start as a Thistle player, and Miles Storey.
Dropping to the bench are Kris Doolan, Chris Erskine and Steven Lawless.