Saturday 24th January, 2015 at 10:18am
It was a content Alan Archibald who spoke with ptfc.co.uk shortly after the conclusion of Saturday’s match.
“I was really pleased with the first 20 minutes. I thought we were a real threat which and I think that was what carried on from the other night.
“After that spell I thought Kilmarnock were better than us for the rest of the first half, certainly. They’ve increased the tempo and we’ve played three games this week, which maybe showed. That said it was a great fight back. I was delighted to get a goal so soon after falling behind”
Archie was keen not use fatigue as an excuse for why Thistle did not emerge with three points.
“I think Kilmarnock had two games while we’ve had three. It’s an easy excuse at times because the first 20 minutes we created a number of chances and we’ve got to take them. We certainly won’t be hiding behind the number of minutes we’ve played.
“I was pleased with the character the lads showed and the way we fought back. Just now it feels like a good point but it’ll probably not seem that way when I reflect on it through the week.”
Ryan Stevenson continued his fine run of form by notching an early goal for Thistle.
“It was a great goal from Ryan. He did really well and long may it continue. He’s on fire at the moment. He’s been playing really well linking with Doolan and the pair of them look a real threat.”
Ryan was withdrawn just before the hour mark and we asked Archie if he had picked up a knock.
“It was a tactical change. They were getting the better in midfield and I thought we had to change it. We put Stuart Bannigan on and then Christie Elliott got injured so it didn’t really help. We had to drop Stuart back into left back, bringing on Gary Fraser in the middle. I also brought on young Declan McDaid and he gave us a lift with his pace and energy. They couldn’t really cope with him at times.”
Thistle went behind late on, but rallied to secure a point through Frederic Frans’ late goal.
“I think it says a lot about my squad. Kilmarnock are a hard team to play against. They played really well in second half and it took a set play to unlock us. It showed great character and desire to keep going and get the equalising goal.”
