Saturday 6th August, 2016 at 6:00pm
Alan Archibald was in good spirits when he spoke to ptfc.co.uk following his side’s 2-0 victory over Inverness this afternoon at Firhill. After grabbing a win on the opening day of the campaign, Archie stressed the importance of getting the first victory in the bag and avoiding another long winless run similar to the start of last season.
“I’m delighted, especially after last season, waiting so long for a victory, to get off and running with a clean sheet as well, I’m very pleased with the lads.”
The manager recognised that Thistle had started the game shakily but claimed that the goal made a big difference.
“I thought that we looked nervy in the first 20 minutes. It looked like our first game of the season, as if we hadn’t played the Betfred Cup games. The goal really settled us down, it was a cagey affair up to that point. It was a good bit of play that lead up to the goal as well as a fantastic finish from Chris Erskine.
“There were a lot of misplaced passes but it was a nice piece of play and we had worked on that. We looked more like ourselves after that.”
The gaffer was quick to praise midfielder Chris Erskine after he scored his third goal since returning to Firhill on a pre-contract.
“I didn’t think we were giving him enough of the ball or feeding him quickly enough. If he gets on the other side of the opposition midfield that’s what he can do. He’s got quality and an eye for goal so it’s great that he’s off and running in the league.”
The Jags boss was also happy with his defence as they claimed a clean sheet against a team who had been scoring freely for much of the Betfred Cup Group Stage.
“I’m pleased that we got the clean sheet, I think Abdul Osman really helps that because he’s there helping the centre-backs out and letting the full-backs go forward. It’s a good, good clean sheet.”
The manager also offered an update concerning Liam Lindsay’s condition as the defender was forced off after a challenge with Ross Draper.
“We’re hoping it’s just a dead leg but it’s a bit early to say. He took a clatter right down his thigh and on his knee so hopefully it’s just an impact thing. We’ll see how he is tomorrow ahead of the game on Tuesday night. It was just one of them, a pure 50/50, there was no malice in it and big Liam has just come off second best.”
