SPFL Ladbrokes Championship
Sat 15 December, 2018. Kick Off: - 15:00
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Fixture Information:
Admission Details:
This fixture is a GENERAL ADMISSION fixture
HOME ticket prices:
Spectators looking to use the Jackie Husband stand will require to purchase a ticket from the portable ticket office next to the Jackie Husband reception.
Cash gates in operation for the John Lambie Stand.
Prices:
Adults – £20
Concessions – £15
Under 16s – FREE
A concession is qualified as a person between 17 and 18, over 65 or a student with a valid matriculation card.
AWAY ticket prices:
Alloa Athletic supporters will be accomodated at the north end of the Jackie Husband Stand.
Prices:
Adults – £20
Concessions – £15
Under 16s – £5
This Saturday brings Alloa Athletic to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill as Thistle look to build on the three well deserved points gained last week against Dunfermline. It was a hard fought win that brought Thistle manager, Gary Caldwell, his first three points as Jags boss and the man at the helm in Maryhill is now looking to build on that performance and result as the New Year looms.
Speaking to ptfc.co.uk ahead of Saturday’s clash, Gary started by describing the mood around the camp following victory against The Pars.
“It has been a really good week. Everyone has had an extra spring in their step following the result last week and that has brought an added focus and determination to push on both in terms of performances and results.
“We really saw the impact those old school values can have on a side last week – hunger, desire, commitment and teamwork were all clear to see from the players against Dunfermline. I showed the players on Monday how important the little details and small parts of the game are. I’m talking about things that most people won’t see but they are so often the difference between scoring a goal and missing a chance, between clearing a ball and conceding a goal or between winning a game and losing a game. We have done a lot right since I’ve been at the football club but Saturday had that extra ingredient that you need to win games.
“We’ll need just as much from the players this Saturday but the aim has to be to build on that win now and put a decent run together.”
As always, fitness and availability is all important ahead of Saturday’s tie but little has changed since last week.
“Not much changes this week. Slater is still out but he is progressing well and should be back for next week. Jai Quitongo will not be available and the longer term ones are still working away to get back to fitness.”
It was Alloa that provided the opposition for Caldwell’s very first game as Jags manager but the Thistle boss is certain that his side will look quite different this time around.
“It has been a totally different build up compared to the last time we played. I know the Club and the players much better and I’m certain it will be a totally different Thistle team that takes to the pitch on Saturday. The change and improvement that has happened in that space of time is phenomenal but we need to come out with the same appetite and attitude that we had last week.
“They are a good side and we can’t underestimate them. They cause teams problems when they are allowed pass the ball and they have threats at the top end of the pitch. They are dangerous from set plays. We have to be ready for a big challenge because anything less than that and we leave ourselves open and they will take advantage of that. It’s vital we make sure that from minute one we go and attack and play with real energy.
“We’re at home again so we’ll be looking to get the fans behind us early on in the game and kick on from the Dunfermline game to get another victory.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Kris Doolan, Jamie Sneddon and Jags gaffer, Gary Caldwell, 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 the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 2:45pm 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.
Partick Thistle looked to build on their first win under Gary Caldwell as they took on Alloa at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill this afternoon. The Jags picked up their first win in 10 last Saturday by beating Dunfermline 2-0 with the victory lifting them off the foot of the Championship table and into eighth.
There was one change made to the side that started the game seven days ago with the fit again, Aidan Fitzpatrick, replacing Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo in the starting XI. Jamie Sneddon continued in goals with Cammy Bell still sidelined behind the unchanged back five of James Penrice, Sean McGinty, Tam Scobbie, Dan Jefferies and Christie Elliott. In the middle of the park, Stuart Bannigan and Blair Spittal started with a front three ahead of them consisting of the returning Aidan Fitzpatrick, Miles Storey and Kris Doolan. On the bench for the hosts were Jamie Stevenson, Niall Keown, Andrew McCarthy, Brice Ntambwe, Callum Wilson, Chris Erskine and the aforementioned, Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo.
The match began in an end-to-end fashion with Thistle forging the first opportunity on four minutes. James Penrice was fed the ball on the edge of the box and the defender tried to fire a shot low across goal. He found the target but Alloa ‘stopper, Neil Parry was equal to it and he turned it away from goal.
Neither team really took control of the game but the Jags were able to win a penalty in the 17th minute through Christie Elliott. Blair Spittal played the ball down the channel for Elliott and as the number two cut back inside, Liam Dick brought him down, prompting Alan Newlands to point to the spot.
Thistle striker, Kris Doolan stepped up to take the spot kick after eight games without a goal but made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Neil Parry the wrong way to give the Jags a one-goal advantage.
The lead would only last six minutes though as Alloa battled their way back onto level terms. The goal came from a miscued Tam Scobbie clearance which handed the Wasps possession in the Thistle half, allowing Alan Trouten to drive into the box. He manoeuvred away from a couple of challenges before cutting the ball back to Kevin Cawley who had a simple finish to equalise for the away side.
The home team were once again denied by Neil Parry shortly after the leveller as he got a hand to Blair Spittal’s shot. Miles Storey laid the ball off to Spittal and he fired a powerful effort towards the top corner but Parry was once again well placed to save as he turned the attempt round the post.
Spittal would have his second goal in two games, though and he got it in the 36th minute. Initially it was the number seven’s free kick which rebounded back off the wall but Spittal was alert and got to the second ball, drilling a low shot towards goal. The drive flew through a few bodies, unsighting Neil Parry and the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop the shot finding the back of the net.
With that goal, the real action of the first half ended and the teams went into the interval with the score at 2-1. The Jags had started shakily but recovered to control the latter stages of the half, however, Alloa had looked dangerous in possession and could have scored more than one with some better finishing.
The second period started tepidly and there wasn’t much goalmouth action until Alloa bagged another equaliser two minutes before the hour mark. The Wasps worked some space excellently in the Thistle half and Iain Flannigan found Dario Zanatta with a pass to the edge of the box. The ex-Raith Rovers loanee then turned and shot with his effort deflecting off Tam Scobbie into the far corner.
In the 70th minute of the game, Thistle made their first change of the game as Aidan Fitzpatrick was replaced by Andrew McCarthy. Then, ten minutes later a second substitution came as Chris Erskine came on for Kris Doolan.
Apart from substitutions, there was very little to talk about after Zanatta’s goal and the game petered out to a 2-2 draw after a fairly exciting first half. Alloa looked content with a point away from home while Thistle didn’t look good enough to carve the Wasps’ defence open.
As such, the game ended in a draw and with every team in the league drawing, it made for no changes in the Championship standings. The Jags remain in eighth a point above both Alloa and Falkirk.
Next up for Gary Caldwell’s side is a long trip north to take on second place Ross County in the Highlands. Kick-off is 15:00 at Dingwall.
PARTICK THISTLE TEAM: Sneddon, Elliott, Jefferies, Scobbie, McGinty, Penrice, Bannigan, Spittal, Fitzpatrick (McCarthy, 70’), Storey, Doolan (Erskine, 80’).
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Stevenson, Keown, Wilson, Ntambwe, Mbuyi-Mutombo.
ALLOA ATHLETIC TEAM: Parry, Taggart, Roscoe, Graham, Dick, Flannigan, Hetherington, Cawley (Shields, 66’), Hastie, Trouten (Robertson, 83’), Zanatta.
UNUSE SUBS (ALA): Henry, Brown, Aloulou, Burt, Spence.
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 Partick Thistle ended a torrid winless run by beating Dunfermline last week, the Jags were unable to make it back-to-back wins as they fought to a stalemate against Alloa Athletic this afternoon. The Maryhill men led twice through Kris Doolan first and then Blair Spittal but goals from Kevin Cawley and Dario Zanatta brought the travelling Wasps level after each Jags goal. The game, contested in wet and windy conditions, lacked real quality from either side and a draw was probably the fairest result. Thistle manager, Gary Caldwell spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the match:
“It was a pretty poor game all in all, not helped by the conditions. For us, to take the lead twice and still not get the three points is very disappointing.
“I don’t necessarily think we deserved to win the game but once you take the lead, it becomes a game we should win. We conceded two bad goals when we were ahead and had something to defend.”
Although he wasn’t looking to blame the weather for his side’s performance, Gary did say that he had to alter his set-up to adapt to the wind and rain.
“We realised quite early that the formation we wanted to play wasn’t going to work with the way the ball was moving on the surface so around the time of the first goal, we switched it up and changed to a front two because we felt we needed to be more direct.
“At the end of the day, the conditions were tough but if we’d done the basics well while we were in front we would have won the game.”
The gaffer had some individual praise for Blair Spittal who once again performed well in the middle of the park, making it two goals in as many games.
“I was praising Blair after last week’s game and he deserves another mention today. He has shown bravery and desire in the last few weeks while playing in a new role and he’s taken to it really well.
“His goal was fantastic and the way he was gliding past players at times was excellent. In a game that was lacking in creativity, he probably looked like our best source of danger.”
A more in depth video interview with Gary Caldwell is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Dan Jefferies and Miles Storey – log in now to see them.
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.
Sat 15 December, 2018
SPFL Ladbrokes Championship 
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Thistle twice lead in this game but are twice pegged back and have to settle for just a single point on a miserable afternoon.
Not with crossing like that there won't. McGinty's cross is blocked at the edge of the Alloa box. Yhis game is all but done.
The 90 minutes have come and gone. Is there to be an injury time winner in this game?
Thistle can make nothing of a number of corners in quick succession.
Penrice delivers a low cross that Alloa clear for a corner.
There are half hearted shouts for a Thistle penalty as Spittal goes to ground.
Spittal's corner is headed clear and when he gets the ball back his second cross is headed clear too.
Better from Thistle and a Storey cross is headed behind for a corner.
With all the games in the Championship currently level it would be a good day for one of these teams to find a winner. No hint of one coming from Thistle at the moment.
A low cross from Spittal can't find a Thistle player.
There are no takers for an inviting cross across the face of the goal from Penrice.
Sneddon makes a good stop to prevent a Taggart effort flying high into the net.
McGinty crosses straight into the waiting arms of Parry.
There is a break in play for Spittal to receive some treatment.
From a good position wide on the left Penrice over hits a cross.
Storey cuts inside and from just outside the Alloa box sends a shot over the bar.
Thistle don't heed the warning of Hastie's shot moments earlier. Flannigan finds a small pocket of space and feeds the ball to the feet of Zanatta who fires a low shot past Sneddon from 20 yards out.
Hastie shoots from fully 30 yards out but his shot goes well wide of Sneddon's left hand post.
Spittal does really well to win the ball then get it out wide to Storey on his left. Storey lifts a cross towards the back post where the ball is headed clear.
Jefferies makes a good challenge as Alloa again pose a threat to the Thistle rear guard.
The Thistle goal is under threat from the corner but when Zanatta takes a wild swipe at the ball without making contact the threat is over.
Thistle have started the second half firmly on the front foot.
McGinty takes a knock right at the start of the second half.
Thistle take a narrow lead into the dressing room at half-time.
Alloa had arguably the better of the early exchanges but Kris Doolan's penalty after 17 minutes following a trip on Christie Elliott gave Thistle the lead.
It was a lead that they held for just 7 minutes. Cawley converting a pass from Trouten to restore parity.
Thistle were back in front though after 36 minutes. Blair Spittal's free kick struck the wall but the ball came straight back to him and he fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The flag goes up for offside against Fitzpatrick who had managed to get himself into a good position.
A Spittal cross is cleared before Storey can get his head on the end of it.
Bannigan looks okay to continue but needs to leave the field of play first.
Bannigan commits a foul and looks to hurt himself in the process. Play is stopped for him to receive some treatment.
Spittal again takes the free kick. This time he hits the wall with it. The ball breaks straight back to him though and this time he bullets a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Fitzpatrick is fouled and Thistle have a free kick just outside the Alloa box.
Zanatta runs at the Thistle defence but his final shot doesn't trouble Sneddon.
Storey wastes an opportunity to put a good ball across the face of Alloa box as he over hits his cross
Elliott is on the end of a long diagonal ball into the Alloa box but his cut back is intercepted by Parry.
Spittal's corner is a good one and McGinty's run gets him on the end of it but he can't keep his header down. A good chance for the defender in Thistle's best spell of the match so far.
McGinty stretches to reach Spittal's corner but the ball drops harmlessly wide of goal.
Storey lays the ball into the path of Spittal whose [powerful drive is well saved by Parry.
Spittal is fouled a few yards outside the Alloa box. He takes the free kick himself but can only send the ball over the crossbar.
Storey's shot from outside the box is well wide of Parry's left hand post.
Trouten is the creator of this goal. He advances deep into the Thistle box and cuts the ball back to Cawley who places a low shot from 8 yards out into the back of the Thistle net.
Kris Doolan is the player entrusted with the penalty and he calmly slips the ball to the keeper's right with Parry going to his left.
Spittal threads a nice pass through to Elliott. As Elliott skips past a defender he has the feet taken from under him for an obvious penalty.
Elliott can't quite manage to prevent a Spittal pass from going behind for a goal kick but Parry claimed Elliott's low cross in any case.
It's Alloa that have had the edge in the opening exchanges looking comfortable in possession and posing Thistle problems. So far those problems have been comfortably dealt with.
Bannigan does well to get back and win the ball from an advancing Trouten but is harshly penalised for a foul.
Elliott gets his head to the corner but his header goes over the bar.
Thistle are close to a goal with Parry pushing away a Penrice drive with the loose ball going behind the lurking Doolan.
Spittal swings over a cross but Parry is there to gather.
It's Alloa though that have the first attack and Elliott has to make a strong challenge on Hastie at the edge of the box.
Thistle are shooting towards the John Lambie Stand in the first half.
With Thistle looking to record back to back league wins for the first time this season manager Gary Caldwell has made just one change to the side that started against Dunfermline last weekend.
Aidan Fitzpatrick missed that game through injury but fit once more he returns to the starting eleven with Andrea Mutombo the player who drops to the bench.