Saturday 11th April, 2015 at 7:15pm
On the eve of one of the biggest games of Thistle’s season so far, Alan Archibald took time to speak to ptfc.co.uk about just how big this tie really is.
“It’s difficult to overstate just how big this game is for our season. If we win it takes us above Kilmarnock and gives us a fantastic platform to build on post-split but if we lose we are dragged right back into the scrap which is the last place we want to be.
“It’s definitely true that the form of Motherwell and Ross County has compacted the bottom half of the table but we know we have never been far enough away from the bottom three teams to relax. We went through a poor run and that cost us at the time but, to be fair to the lads, in recent weeks they have been a credit to themselves.”
Even after the defeat at Celtic Park on Wednesday, motivation is not something Archibald has struggled to find for his players.
“To be fair the guys have been good and it has been easier in recent weeks with the positive performances. When we were losing games the heads never dropped and we just had to keep them focussed on the next game. There is still a really positive feel around the place and the players are full of confidence.
“A win tomorrow and we can relax a bit but I don’t think that will be enough to keep us safe so there will still be that pressure. We just need to focus on our own performances and getting the results our play deserves, if we do that then I think it’s safe to say the table will look after itself.”
Archie knows it is important not to underestimate tomorrow’s opponents as a number of new players have strengthened the Motherwell squad.
“They have made a couple of key signings and I think that has made a big difference to them in the latter stages of the league. They will likely bring a strong support tomorrow and I hope that our fans will match them all the way. It’s a massive game for both sides and I think it will be a big game atmosphere to reflect that. It is a high pressure game but it is also the type of game that all footballers look forward to playing in.”
Finally Archibald passed on the all important team news:
“We’ve got a few guys struggling unfortunately. Welsh, Elliott and Seaborne will all miss out and Doolan and Lawless are both struggling with knocks from Wednesday night. We’ll wait and see how they are and give them every chance to be involved.”
