Saturday 7th November, 2015 at 3:00pm
Having led for most of the game only to concede a late, late Kane Hemmings equaliser, Alan Archibald was understandably subdued when he spoke to ptfc.co.uk after today’s game.
“Dens Park is always a really tough place to come and, to be honest, I thought we had done enough to secure all three points. In the closing stages we were looking at three points and a strong away performance so to concede that goal is a real killer. It was an opportunity to close the gap on those above us and also to move further away from United
“They started really brightly but once we got to grips with the game we were playing well and holding a strong shape. We created quite a few chance in the first half and, if we had scored at that point, that would have given us a bigger cushion. We didn’t extend that lead and it ultimately cost us.”
Thistle came under sustained pressure in the second half and weren’t able to hold out for all three points.
“I think we changed how we were playing too much in the second half and sat too deep. That invited pressure which is ultimately what led to us conceding. We were three or four yards further up the pitch in the first half and held our shape much better. That’s probably the most disappointing aspect of our second half performance.
“Credit to Dundee though, they threw everything at us and have good attacking players. Paul has them playing good attacking football and it showed out there today.”
Thistle’s goalkeeping coach, Paul Gallacher, made his season debut at Dens today and acquitted himself very well. The Firhill gaffer had nothing but praise for the former Scotland international.
“We’re delighted for Paul and he deserves a lot of credit for his performance today. He’s not really had any game time this season but always keeps himself in tip top condition and that showed today. He’s a fantastic professional and it’s great to have him available when we need him.”
Although the three points evaded him, Archie was much happier with his team’s performance when compared to last week’s outing against Hearts.
“I think last week against Hearts we had an extremely poor second half and that showed in the result. We worked the defence hard during the week and I think that showed today. Our shape was much better and we looked much more solid.
“We haven’t had a lot of goals from set pieces this season so that’s a major boost and it was great to see Liam get his first goal. We’ll be working hard to learn from the good and bad today to take it in to the Inverness game which comes after the international break.”
