Tuesday 17th July, 2018 at 10:58pm
After almost two full months away, football returned to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill this evening as Morton visited Maryhill. The game represented our first at home for the new season and Thistle faced the stern test of a Ton side that’s been rebuilt over the summer. The game was right and nervy towards the end but the hosts edged out the travelling Morton team with the match ending 2-1. A thunderbolt from Jack Storer in the 16th minute and a James Penrice finish saw the home side to victory despite Reghan Tumilty’s second half strike. In the end, it was another three group stage points in the bag for Thistle and Jags boss, Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the final whistle.
Alan began by reflecting on a game of two halves. First half, it was Thistle dominance, however, Morton pulled themselves right back into things for the second 45 and will be feeling a bit disappointed with defeat.
“In the first half we used the ball well, moved it quickly and created some decent chances. Like Saturday, I felt we could have been a bit better with our final ball but you can’t complain too much when you’re two goals up at half time. Despite that, we fell away in the second half. Morton came out with a renewed optimism and confidence, which we let grow throughout the second half. In the end, they could have easily nicked an equaliser which is disappointing when you consider the dominant position we were in at the break.”
Archie did praise Jack Storer, who found the back of the net in the opening stages with a goal that might have won the goal of the season award already. The number 11 let fly on the half-volley and his effort arrowed into the top corner, bearing Ryan Scully all ends up.
“Jack’s a talented lad and he has that in his locker. He’s still young and has plenty to learn but we definitely feel that he has plenty to offer for us and hopefully we’ll see more of that as the season progresses.”
With only five names on the bench this evening, the gaffer admitted that there is still a lot of work to do in the transfer market but he knows what areas need addressing and is already looking at potential targets to help fill the squad.
“We know our business is far from finished. We’re still light on numbers and ideally we’d have a better bench to help us towards the end of game’s like tonight’s but the squad isn’t done yet. We are actively looking but you want the right fit. You want guys with hunger and a desire to play and those players aren’t always easy to find.”
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