Sat 12 May, 2018
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Dens Park, DundeeSPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 12 May, 2018. Kick Off: - 15:00
Dens Park, Dundee
Supporters’ Buses:
Any supporters wishing to take up the FREE supporters bus offer for Saturday’s match against Dundee should email with the number of spaces required. The club are arranging additional buses to accomodate demand.
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 10:50
Station Bar – 11:00
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill – 12:30
Thornwood Bar – 12:35
North-West Branch:
Pick ups:
Milngavie Station – 12:00
Esquire House – 12:20
Maryhill Community Halls – 12:30
Disabled supporter information
Wheelchair and ambulant fans can turn up on the day and pay at the gate of the Shankly Stand, the modern stand behind the goals. This is where the main Thistle support will be located. Tickets cost £16 which includes a carer.
For anyone who has not been to Dens Park before, the wheelchair viewing area is elevated and offers fairly good cover.
The road right outside Dens Park is closed on match days but drop offs can be made close to the away stand. Stewards on duty will be able to offer assistance. Free car parking is available for blue badge holders in Isla Street on a first come first served basis. Isla Street joins Tannadice Street at Tannadice Park, the home of Dundee United.
It seems that the final third of Partick Thistle’s season has been one season defining game after another but none so far have had the potential consequences that Saturday’s clash with Dundee have. With anything but a win leaving the door open for Ross County to take the play-off spot the stakes have never been higher for Alan Archibald and his players. Despite this, the Jags boss took time to speak to ptfc.co.uk after the team’s penultimate training session ahead of Saturday’s match.
Archie started by updating the injury situation after Tuesday night: “We didn’t pick up any fresh knocks just a bit of fatigue from the guys who played the full game the other night. Niall Keown is suspended but Callum Booth and Andy McCarthy both did a little bit of training today so we’re hopeful we might be able to get both involved on Saturday.
“We want to give everyone every chance but we also know that there will be one or two missing. That is inevitable when the games are coming thick and fast like they are just now. We’ve got a big enough squad to deal with it though and that’s what we need to do just now.”
Tuesday night saw the Jags miss out on the chance to drag Hamilton Accies right back into the play-off mix but Archibald is adamant that, despite the disappointing result, his side are fully focused on the job they now have to do.
“It was very disappointing for us as it was definitely a missed opportunity for us to go into the final game with others involved and a chance of securing our safety without the play-off. It wasn’t to be though and we need to move on and deal with the situation we find ourselves in.
“I thought the lads put a lot into the game and it was a decent performance in terms of the first half. We created a number of chances but just couldn’t take them. We need to put the same amount of effort into the game and hope that we get that bit of luck we need in front of goal.”
With a win and two draws since the split Thistle have certainly looked more assured but, with a target of three wins in mind going into the first game, the results haven’t quite been enough to steer Archibald’s men away from trouble.
“We need to keep on doing what we’ve been doing and work hard to get the result. I think since the split it has been very positive in terms of the way we have started games but we just haven’t taken enough points. We knew we needed to win at least two but probably three of our home games to give ourselves a chance and we didn’t do that.
“In terms of the lads’ attitudes it has been good and we have started the games well. We’ve created chances and we just need to focus on those positives but make sure we score when we’re on top.”
One thing is for sure, Archibald will certainly not be banking on Dundee having one eye on the summer break.
“There’s no way Dundee will have downed tools. I think they targeted five wins and they will definitely have that in their crosshairs when it comes to Saturday. Every player is out to prove a point at this time of the season, whether it is older guys coming to the end of contracts or younger guys trying to get in the team so, no matter what kind of side he plays, we know it’ll be a challenge.
“All we can do is concentrate on ourselves. We’ve got no excuses whatever team they put out or whatever they want to do – it’s about Partick Thistle and what we do. We can’t get distracted by play-off chat, we just need to concentrate on winning this Saturday.”
With a strong Hibernian side adding to an already tough league it was always going to be a big ask to replicate last season’s successes. Despite this though, Archie knows his side should never have put themselves in this position.
“I said right at the start of the season that it was going to be a harder league but there is no doubt that we should still be doing better. We’ll get to the end of the season, look at where we are and go back and look over it. We need to learn from this season and work out what we can do better. For now though it is all about Saturday and making sure we get the three points that will guarantee we live to fight another day.
Make the trip to support the side. Partick Thistle are offering FREE supporters buses to the match. Dundee are providing a family deal for supporters who purchase in advance.
More exclusive preview interviews with Adam Barton and Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald, are available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them.
Jagzone members will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game.
Can’t make it to Dens Park? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 2:30pm on Saturday.
For a full list of all the great content you can access from just £5.99 per month as a Jagzone member, click here.
Article Copyright © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
After a long and trying season, Partick Thistle travelled to Dens Park on the final weekend of the regular season still in danger of the automatic drop. The Jags arrived in Dundee two points ahead of Ross County, knowing that a win would see them secure 11th place irrespective of the Staggies result at St. Johnstone. Alan Archibald’s side came into the game off the back of a narrow defeat by Motherwell in midweek and the Thistle boss made two changes to the team that lost to the Steelmen.
Tomas Cerny retained his place between the sticks for Thistle behind and unchanged backline of Paul McGinn, Danny Devine, Baily Cargill and Christie Elliott. Niall Keown, who missed Tuesday’s game through injury also missed this afternoon’s game as he served out a yellow card accumulation suspension. In midfield Martin Woods, Adam Barton and Ryan Edwards remained in the centre of the park while Miles Storey and Steven Lawless came in on the wings, replacing Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine in the starting line-up. Conor Sammon stayed in the team as the lone striker of the team.
Thistle came out of the blocks flying as they looked to gain control of the game early and could have been ahead in the second minute. A looping cross from the Thistle left found the head of central midfielder, Adam Barton who nodded towards goal. His headed attempt was on target but thanks to the hand of Dundee ‘keeper Calum Ferrie, it was turned behind.
The next shot on target of the game didn’t come until the 26th minute and it came for the home side. Simon Murray took the impetus for the hosts and tried to make a move into the Thistle box. He was stopped but the ball broke to Paul McGowan who fired on goal from just inside the box. His shot was well-struck but too central and Tomas Cerny was able to make an easy save to deny the ex-St. Mirren man.
The away side managed to carve out another decent opportunity on 34 minutes. This time Steven Lawless was the main man as he wriggled through the Dundee defence. The winger kept going and going until he finally unleashed a shot with his left foot. Unfortunately, the number 11 was stretching slightly as he shot and as such his effort was weak and easily saved by Calum Ferrie.
The teams went into the break after what had been a 45 minutes of half-chances. Neither team had really taken complete control of the game although both sides had their opportunities. For Thistle it was a familiar story with the Jags failing to capitalise on spells of good early play though there was enough to suggest that the Maryhill men could still win the game. Alan Archibald made one change at the interval as Miles Storey was replaced by Blair Spittal.
As they did in the first half, Thistle began the second period quickly and could have easily been ahead just a minute after the restart. A deep corner by Blair Spittal found Daniel Devine at the back post. The defender then headed goalward finding the target but Calum Ferrie was there to make another strong save, pushing the ball behind for another corner.
Ten minutes into the second 45, the Jags made a second alteration. Ever-reliable frontman, Kris Doolan came on for midfielder Ryan Edwards as Thistle changed to a 4-4-2 formation.
The striker didn’t take long to make an impact either as he netted in the 62nd minute. Adam Barton tackled Simon Murray in the centre circle and Blair Spittal fed Steven Lawless the ball. The ex-Motherwell man then skipped forward and played the ball towards Doolan. His pass took a deflection but found Doolan nevertheless and the attacker was able to poke the ball into the corner past Calum Ferrie. The goal represents Doolan’s 114th for Thistle and means that the forward has now bagged at least ten goals a season for the past eight campaigns, becoming the first Jag to do so.
At this point, all the away side needed to do to ensure they avoided 12th position was hold their lead and they were able to do that. Thistle defended admirably allowing Dundee no real chances in the closing stages. Abdul Osman came on for Conor Sammon in the dying embers of the game to shore up the backline with Adam Barton dropping into a back three.
After two long minutes of additional time, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming that Thistle would be facing a play-off for survival. The Jags end the regular season behind Hamilton on goal difference and four points ahead of the relegated Ross County.
The Maryhill men are back in action on Thursday for the first leg of the Premiership Play-off final. Thistle travel to Lothian for part one of the two-legged affair with information about the game available on ptfc.co.uk. Kick-off will be 19:45 at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, McGinn, Devine, Cargill, Elliott, Woods, Barton, Edwards (Doolan, 55’), Lawless, Storey (Spittal, HT), Sammon (Osman, 90’).
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Scully, Dumbuy, Penrice, Erskine.
DUNDEE TEAM: Ferrie, Kerr, Kusunga, Jefferies, Holt, Kamara, Spence, McGowan (Wolters, 36’), Deacon (El Bakhtaoui, 75’), Wighton (Scott, 61’), Murray.
UNUSED SUBS (DND): Parish, Aurtenetxe, Curran, Moore.
Article Copyright © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Today, on the final weekend of the Ladbrokes Premiership season, Partick Thistle ensured that they would not be relegated automatically with a victory over Dundee. They came into the game knowing a win would secure the top flight play-off spot ahead of Ross County and a second half goal from Kris Doolan got them that win. The legendary forward came on as a substitute having dropped out of the side from the start but made his impact, slotting low past the Dundee goalkeeper after good work from Steven Lawless, bagging the goal that lifted Thistle off bottom spot at the time. Ultimately, Ross County drew their final game so the win was not required but getting it didn’t hurt at all for the travelling Jags. Thistle boss Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following a tense 90 minutes.
Archie began by stressing the importance of the win which keeps Thistle alive in their fight for Premiership survival. The Jags were in the top flight’s bottom spot for over an hour this afternoon before Kris Doolan set them on their way to victory.
“It’s a huge win for the club, obviously. Everyone involved with Thistle is both delighted and relieved. Ideally we wouldn’t be in this position but we’re here now and just need to do whatever it takes to survive; today was step one of that. Due to County’s result we didn’t need to win to stay up in the end but it puts us in the right state of mind as we prepare for the play-off games as you wouldn’t want to go into those games off the back of four games without a win.”
The Jags gaffer then went on to praise his set of players for playing their big part in the day’s win as they showed a real determination to keep Thistle away from the automatic drop.
“I think the lads deserve great credit today. They kept their heads screwed on and didn’t panic when things were getting tough. In games like these, it can be easy to get caught up in the importance of the match and let that affect your performance. However, the guys did their jobs well and I thought we played some good stuff at times with only the finish lacking. We knew that Dundee were going to be dangerous on the counter but we limited them to half-chances and efforts from outside the box so overall I’m pleased with the display.”
Alan then singled out a certain player for special praise and, of course, it was Kris Doolan. Thistle’s match winner made it eight consecutive seasons of double figures in Jags colours with his goal today and in the process ensured that his only professional side would not be facing automatic relegation this afternoon.
“You can’t really put Kris Doolan’s importance to this club into words. He’s always there when we need him and we know we can trust him to do the business. He would have been disappointed that he was dropped today but since he’d played the last four games we wanted to give him a bit of a rest knowing we could bring him on if needed. Admittedly, it was a slight gamble but thankfully, it’s paid off for us. Erskine was the other one who dropped out but he was carrying a knock and was at about 60% so he was only going to come on if we were desperate though hopefully he’ll be back to full fitness for the first leg of the play-off.”
The Jags manager then looked forward to the two-legged meeting with Livingston which awaits his side. Thistle travel to the Tony Macaroni Arena on Thursday and then welcome the Lions to Maryhill next Sunday with a spot in next season’s Ladbrokes Premiership up for grabs.
“I’ve been to watch them and of course we played them in the Betfred Cup so we’ll be ready for them. They are a team who like to get the ball forward quickly but they also have good footballers in their side who can cause us problems. They fight for every ball and have a great team spirit. We showed our fight and spirit today but we need that to carry over into these two games.”
As Archie discussed, Thistle’s next game comes on this coming Thursday as Thistle make the journey east to take on Championship runners-up Livingston in Lothian. Kick-off is 19:45 from the Tony Macaroni Arena.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Kris Doolan and Steven Lawless. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
Jagzone subscribers will be able to rewatch the full 90 minutes soon
Highlights will be added shortly and will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
For a full list of all the great content you can access from just £5.99 per month as a Jagzone member, click here.
Article Copyright © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
It's tense around Dens Park as Steven Lawless is named #JagZoneLIVE, sponsored by Fierce Digital, Jag of the Match.
Sammon meets the delivery from Woods but it is into the side netting.
An absolute scramble in the Thistle box but Spittal eventually gets it clear.
We'd love to be able to say Thitle are piling on the pressure but in truth, Dundee are dominating possession. One thing is for sure - it's going to be nervous!
A wonderful cross field ball by Cargill looks to be perfect for Spittal but his first touch lets him down and it goes out for a goal kick.
Some good link up play between Sammon, Doolan and Spittal down the right side but the final ball is too heavy and goes out for a throw.
Apologies, composure in the press box lost for a moment. Back on it now though! Luckily, nothing much happened in the interim.
It's there! Kris Doolan does it again! The ball breaks and there is a defensive mix up in the box. The Jags number 9 pounces and slots it low to the keeper's left. 1-0 Thistle!
Dundee break and Kerr gets a strong shot away from the edge of the box. It's over the bar though.
Doolan and Spittal link up down the right and the later gets the ball into the box. It's asking a lot of Barton who's header is caught comfortably by Ferrie.
Dundee work the ball into The Thistle box but Devine steps up well and clears the danger.
There's 6,756 here at Dens today. A massive thanks to the fantastic Thistle support who have travelled - 969 here today.
Dundee are piling the pressure on Thistle here and, with the ball in the box, the Jags defenders block three shots before the ref call a foul at the edge of the box, giving Cerny the chance to clear it long.
Free kick to Thistle - about 35 yards out. Spittal has a go but it's straight at the keeper.
A great ball comes in from the left for Dundde but Murray can't do anything with it. The play continues and again Dundee break down the left but the final ball is nowhere near as good this time and it goes straight to Cerny.
And it's back to Spittal this time but the ref blows up for a foul on the keeper.
Another good one, this time from Woods and the ball slips out of the keeper's hands and goes out for yet another corner.
Good ball to the back post and Devine's header is pushed over the bar by Ferrie.
Good ball into the box from Lawless but the ball won't sit for Spittal. It goes out the other side but Thistle win a corner.
One change at half time for the Jags.
It's extremely nervy here at Dens Park and County's early goal means Thistle MUST win.
A decent start from the Jags but they couldn't get the breakthrough. Dundee then came back into the game and had a series of good chances but the Jags defence stood strong and Cerny only really had one save to make.
The final 10 minutes of the half definitely belonged to Thistle though. The delivery into the box imporved no end but, ultimately, the ball just wouldn't go in.
All to play for in the second half though so here's hoping Thistle do what they need to!
Another poor one from Woods who gets caught badly in the aftermath and has stayed down.
Good ball from Storey finds Sammon who turns and shoot but it is deflected out for a corner.
Great delivery from Woods but it just can't quite find a Jags head - Cargill was close though!
Edwards and Lawless again link up well to win a corner.
Thistle look certain to open the scoring but can't! Lawless and Edwards link well on the right and Edwards puts a great ball in. Barton takes a touch but can't get a shot away before the ball falls to Sammon who can only nick it with his head, evetually the ball falls to Storey in the centre of the box but he skews his shot wide.
Storey goes into the book after he threw the ball into the ground following a throw-in decision being incorrectly given the way of the home side.
A mistake from Cargill allows Murray through but the Dee striker can't keep the ball in and it goes out for a goal kick.
A quick break from Thistle looks promising but Storey'can't pick out Woods with his pass across the box and Dundee clear.
Lawless gets a shot on target after wriggling through the Dundee defence. Better from Thistle and some excellent work from Barton in the build up.
Thistle play it short and a one-two between Woods and Lawless sees a decent ball towards the back post but it just beats everyone and goes out for a goal kick.
Some better paly from Thistle earns a corner.
A nervous moment for Ferrie in the Dundee goals as his first touch from a routine pass back spins up and he has to volley it out for a throw.
Dundee building the pressure here as another shot is hit towards Cerny's goal, albeit this time the ball goes comfortably over the bar.
Simon Murrany breaks free at the edge of the box before running into trouble, the ball breaks to McGowan whose shot is well saved by Cerny.
The corner goes right through the box and out the other side.
Deacon finds a bit of space in the Thistle box but the best he can do is win a corner.
Big shouts for a penalty from Dundee supporters but there didn't look to be much in it. Appeal appeared to be based on a push from Storey. Ref ends up giving free kick the pther way for a trip on Storey seconds later.
Barton picks the ball up 40 yards from goal before driving to the edge of the box and hitting his shot. The effort goes comfortably wide though.
Devine heads clear.
Corner is taken short and eventually deflects off Sammon for another corner.
Barton and Edwards combine well to get the ball wide to Storey who delivers a promising looking cross but can't find a Thitle player.
Dundee apply some pressure around the Thistle box but can't get through and end up giving away a foul on the edge of the box. Cerny will take it long.
Corner cleared by Edwards.
Some dangerous play by Dundee down the left side but McGinn blocks it for a corner.
A good cross from Lawless forces another jgas corner.
Woods' corner is poor and is cleared.
Another McGinn cross can't find Edwards at the back post but does force a corner.
An excellent cross from McGinn doesn't find a Thistle player. The Jags looking dangerous when on the ball though.
Corner is cleared.
So close form Thistle! A looping cross finds barton unmarked but his header just clears the cross bar, with a helping hand from Ferrie.
As news of a County goal filters through to the Dens Park press box Dundee have their first shot but it is comfortably wide of Cerny's post.
And we're underway, Thistle playing a 4-2-3-1 formation.
So, here we are. The final regular game of the season and only a win will 100% guarantee Thistle a place in the play-off final and a chance to secure Ladbrokes Premiership football for another season.
It's going to be tense, it's going to be nervy but we'll keep you updated with text updates here, live commentary Jagzone subscribers and regular update on twitter and facebook.
Here it goes - Mon 'eh Jags!