William Hill Scottish Cup
Tue 12 March, 2019. Kick Off: - 19:45
Tynecastle Park
Tickets for the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter final replay against hearts are on sale now.
Prices are:
Adults: £15
Concessions (Students, Over 65’s, Students and Under 18’s): £10
Under 16s: £5
Tickets are available to be posted out until 2pm on Friday.
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill executive offices will also operate extended opening times on tonight and Monday when tickets will be on sale until 7pm.
In addition, tickets will be available to buy from the offices up until 1pm before, and from the Jackie Husband Stand ticket booth after, the match against Dundee United on Saturday.
If you have any questions or require further information please contact the Club by phoning 0141 579 1971 (option 1) or by emailing .
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 16:15
Station Bar – 16:30
Non members welcome.
Please call 07979496154 or email to book.
John Lambie Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 17:45
Thornwood Bar – 17:50
Prices for members:
£8 for adults
£4 for concessions
Prices for visitors:
£15 for adults
£8 for concessions
All Jags fans are welcome but booking is essential.
For seats please contact Alistair on 07817612563 or email
For general enquires please contact Iain on 07779668357 or email
North-West Branch:
Pick ups:
Milngavie Station – 17:15
Esquire House – 17:35
Maryhill Community Halls – 17:50
Please note that the North-West bus is now fully booked.
If you have booked seats, and then find you cannot travel, please email ASAP so that someone else can take the empty seat.
NB Jags’ fans have to get tickets in advance from Firhill. Details here.
It’s another midweek fixture for Thistle tonight as they travel through to the capital to take on Heart of Midlothian for the second time in eight days. Having more than matched Hearts, particularly in the second half last week, there is a confident feeling around the Thistle camp at the moment.
Although he realises it will certainly be a challenge, Jags boss Gary Caldwell, insists his side aren’t just there to make up the numbers. With a chance to book a visit to Hampden the gaffer sat down with ptfc.co.uk to look ahead to the tie.
Caldwell started by reflecting briefly on the first tie at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
“I thought we matched them, I really did. Particularly in the second half I thought we played some really good football and created chances. In truth we could maybe have nicked it at the death but we were definitely good value for a draw.
“It has given us this opportunity to go to Tynecastle and earn a place in the semi final but it won’t be easy and we know that. We know what to expect from them and we have to be prepared in exactly the same way we were on Monday night. If we are able to do that then we have a really good chance.”
It was an injury hit squad that took to the field the last time out against Hearts and, thankfully, things are looking much better for tonight’s tie.
“I am delighted to say we have a fully fit squad. With the exception of Tam O’Ware we have a fully green squad list which means everyone is fit and everyone has trained which is great. Recently we have had four or five injuries which were small muscle injuries which is frustrating but the physio and medical department worked extremely hard and everyone is fit for an important time of the season which is good.
“Unfortunately Tam still isn’t quite on that list but his recovery is going really well, he’s working extremely hard, and he’s been a massive help to me and Brian around the squad. He’s done bits of scouting for us and has obviously been coaching with the Academy as well, so he’s been fantastic considering he’s not been able to play, and he’s working really hard to get close to fitness.”
It has undoubtedly been a tough season so far for the Jags but by earning a replay when many had written his side off and with the last minute heroics on Saturday the gaffer knows things can change very quickly.
“It is I think that’s football. I think when you have been in football you realise that one week can change a season, one moment can change things. We have had a difficult few years as a club and we just have to keep fighting, improving and getting better, and these moments like Saturday and Monday night can turn everything. You can go on an upwards turn quite quickly. We just have to keep working on that.”
Tynecastle is a favourite of supporters and players alike but it isn’t a stadium the Jags boss has particularly fond memories of. It was always a game I looked forward to in terms of the atmosphere though. Obviously having played for Hibs, and Celtic at Tynecastle it was always big games, their crowd was always very vocal, they support the team, and get behind the players. I think it’s important that you are ready for that initial period of the game. The first 20-30 mins where they will throw everything at us and we need to be prepared for that.”
Hearts have had plaudits and criticism in almost equal measure for their physical style of play and it is something the entire Jags squad will be aware of.
“I think they have always been physical, even since I played against them. They are a physical side that put you under pressure and make you defend, and we have to stand up to that challenge.
“I believe we did it in the first game very well. For those first 30 minutes I felt we could have passed the ball better in terms of defending and dealing with their physicality but they only had 3 shots on target all night and that shows how well we defended and we will have to do the same again.
“We know what prize is on offer for the winner and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to write a bit of history. We aren’t just here to make up the numbers we are her to make a semi final and that is what we intend to do.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Conor Hazard and Jags manager, Gary Caldwell, are available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them.
Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game.
Can’t make it to Tynecastle? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 7:30pm on Tuesday night.
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 © 2019. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Partick Thistle travelled to the Scottish capital to take on Hearts in their cup quarter-final replay after the two sides drew 1-1 in the initial tie. Each side had played one game since their first meeting, with both teams securing weekend wins over Dundee sides by the odd goal.
Gary Caldwell made two changes to the side which secured a last-minute win over Dundee United last Saturday. Conor Hazard started once again in goals behind a defence which returned to a five-man set-up. Steven Anderson, Steven Saunders and Jack McMillan were the three centre-halves with James Penrice and Christie Elliott operating as wing-backs. In midfield, Stuart Bannigan replaced Joe Cardle as he made his comeback from injury alongside Craig Slater and Blair Spittal in the Jags engine room. Up front, Lewis Mansell came in for Miles Storey to form a strike partnership with Scott McDonald. On the bench for the away side were Jamie Sneddon, Sean McGinty, Gary Harkins, Joe Cardle, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Kris Doolan and Miles Storey.
The game was much more even from the start than last Monday’s clash but Hearts nearly took the lead after two minutes nevertheless. The early chance came from a free-kick with Ben Garuccio taking aim from 20 yards or so. The Australian lifted his effort over the wall, towards the Thistle goal but Conor Hazard got across sharply to turn it behind for a corner.
The next opportunity came after 16 minutes and it presented the Jags with an unlikely lead as Scott McDonald bagged his third goal for the Club. It came from the second phase of a corner with Craig Slater picking up the loose ball after a Hearts clearance. The number 17 then lifted a ball to the back post where Steven Saunders headed down towards goal forcing Zdenek Zlamal into a save at the goalkeeper’s near post. Unfortunately for Zlamal, the rebound fell straight to Scott McDonald who had the simple task of knocking the ball into the empty net to make it 1-0.
However, the hosts responded quickly and were able to equalise seven minutes after falling behind. The goal was scored by Jambos striker, Uche Ikpeazu, who received the ball in a bit of space from Craig Wighton. Just inside the box, Uche held off Steven Anderson as he moved away from goal before swinging his leg at the ball, firing it past Conor Hazard at his near post.
Craig Levein’s side would go on to complete the turnaround in the 35th minute as Sean Clare converted from the penalty spot. The goal was an entirely avoidable one for the Maryhill men as a bit of poor communication allowed Hearts a chance to take the lead from 12 yards. Zdenek Zlamal sent a long kick into the Thistle half which Steven Anderson and Steven Saunders wanted to leave for Conor Hazard but as the ball held up around the edge of the Jags box, Jake Mulraney nipped in a knocked the ball away before being clattered by Hazard with Bobby Madden then awarding the penalty. Clare then stepped up to take the kick, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way as he bagged his fourth goal of the season.
Thistle made two changes in the first 20 minutes of the second half with Joe Cardle coming on for Christie Elliott in the 50th minute before Miles Storey replaced Lewis Mansell with 25 minutes to play.
The changes didn’t have the immediate impact the Jags were hoping for though as the home side won their second penalty of the match on 67 minutes. Uche Ikpeazu won the spot kick going down under light pressure from Blair Spittal. It was the number 19 who would take the penalty he won but his effort was saved by Conor Hazard low to the Northern Irishman’s right, keeping the away side in the game.
With 20 to play, Scott McDonald went close to a second of the game as he fired wide of the far post from 25 yards after a quick turnover of possession. His driven attempt had plenty of power but skipped just wide of the Hearts upright.
The last throw of the dice for Thistle in terms of substitutes came when Aidan Fitzpatrick was introduced on 72 minutes, taking the place of Blair Spittal.
Both teams continued to battle and fight looking for the all-important fourth goal of the game. Each team had a decent half chance with Miles Storey shooting wide for the travelling Jags while Craig Wighton hit the side netting for the Jambos.
There was still more action though and in the final moments of the game, the Jags had two big penalty appeals turned down. First Joe Cardle went down under John Souttar’s challenge but Bobby Madden decided correctly that the defender had got to the ball. Then, Miles Storey was trip by Christophe Berra and there was much more in this claim as the Hearts defender appeared to stand on the striker’s foot just inside the box. However, once again, the claims were waved away and the match ended 2-1, sending Hearts through to the semi-finals.
Thistle had battled valiantly until the very last kick of the game and were able to hold their heads high at the final whistle as they had gone toe-to-toe with one of the country’s top teams over 180 minutes.
Nevertheless, they must return their focus to league business quickly as they face a massive game away to Falkirk in the Ladbrokes Championship this Saturday. Kick-off is 15:00 at the Falkirk Stadium.
PARTICK THISTLE TEAM: Hazard, Elliott (Cardle, 50’), Saunders, Anderson, McMillan, Penrice, Bannigan, Slater, Spittal (Fitzpatrick, 72’), McDonald, Mansell (Storey, 65’).
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Sneddon, McGinty, Harkins, Doolan.
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN TEAM: Zlamal, Godinho, Berra, Souttar, Garuccio, Lee (Haring, 66’), Djoum, Clare, Wighton, Mulraney (Morrison, 83’), Ikpeazu.
UNUSED SUBS (HoM): Doyle, Dikamona, Bozanic, MacLean, Keena.
Partick Thistle’s Scottish Cup journey came to an end this evening as the Jags fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hearts in the quarter-finals. The two sides had met eight days prior, battling to a 1-1 draw and thus ensuring tonight’s replay.
Thistle went to the Scottish capital and managed to take the lead through Scott McDonald, however, their advantage was short lived as goals from Uche Ikpeazu and Sean Clare turned the game on its head before half-time. Conor Hazard saved a second half penalty to keep the away side in it but the Maryhill men were unable to capitalise meaning the hosts advanced to the semi-finals.
Thistle manager, Gary Caldwell, spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the end of the match:
“I’m really proud of the team, first and foremost. We showed great determination and bravery out there; with and without possession. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with one of this country’s top teams over two games and we can take a lot from that.”
Although Gary admits there was a bit of disappointment in the manner of the goals conceded, he doesn’t want to be too harsh on a group of players who fought so well over the pair of games.
“As manager, the overwhelming emotion right now is pride in those boys. When I look back at the game, we should have done better with their goals but I don’t want to be too critical of the squad after that game. It’s my job to make those little improvements and we’ll look at the goals during the rest of the week but I can’t say they deserve a telling off after that 90 minutes.”
The gaffer mentioned the penalty decisions that came in extra-time that Thistle didn’t get on the night.
“I went and calmly spoke to the referee after the match and he was very good. He said the first incident with Joe Cardle was in no way a penalty and after watching it back, I think he got that one right. For the second one with Miles Storey, he says that he saw contact but couldn’t be sure that it was a penalty and that disappoints me a little.
“I’ve watched that one back too and I still feel it was a penalty. Nevertheless, I don’t blame the referee. He has a very tough job and that’s football, sometimes things don’t go your way.”
Caldwell is now looking to use the positives from tonight to build into the remaining games of the Championship season.
“We showed our improvement tonight in the way we battled with Hearts. They’re not an easy team to play against but we put in another good showing against them. We’re still improving though and we have to keep fine-tuning the team as we look to close out the season in good form.”
A more in depth video interview with Gary Caldwell is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Stuart Bannigan and Joe Cardle – 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 © 2019. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk
Tue 12 March, 2019
William Hill Scottish Cup 
Tynecastle Park
Hazard is up for the resulting corner
Jags free kick on edge of box
A stonewall pen for thistle is denied
Into 4 added minutes
Wighton fires into the side net from 6 yards
Storey cuts in from the left but drags a shot wide
McDonald shoots inches past from the edge of the box
Hazard saves the spot kick
The media laptop is waterlogged and decides it has had enough. Updates will continue through a more mobile device
Clare nods past from a cross
One minute additional time
Saunders heads past from a Jags free kick but the flag is up for offside
Clare sends Hazard the wrong way
Saunders and Hazard get in a mix up and Ikpeazu is fouled in the box.
A Thistle corner signals the end of a frantic midfield spell.
Ikpeazu spins in the box and finishes low beyond Hazard.
Mansell robs Berra and advances. He picks out Spittal who can't find McDonald in the box with a low cross.
Mansell gets in behind the Hearts defence. He tries a shot but it is high over the bar.
It's not pretty but it's in the net! Scott McDonald gives Thistle the lead. Saunders is denied by a save before McDonald taps home from close range.
The delivery intended for Anderson at the back post isn't deep enough and Hearts clear. Slater sends the ball back in but Hearts clear.
Berra knocks behind for a Jags corner.
McDonald wins a free kick wide of the penalty area after being clipped by Souttar
Mansell is ruled offside by the tightest of margins as he burst through on goal.
Thistle clear the first two corners from the home side.
Garuccio's free kick is pushed away by a full length save from Conor Hazard
A free kick to Hearts on the edge of the box in a dangerous position.
Hearts get the game underway. Come on Thistle!