Sun 5 March, 2017
William Hill Scottish Cup 
Pittodrie StadiumWilliam Hill Scottish Cup
Sun 5 March, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
Pittodrie Stadium
Ticket Information:
Tickets will be priced as below:
£15 for adults
£10 for concessions (Over 65s, FTE, U18)
£5 for under 12s
There will be a cash gate in operation on the day.
Supporters Bus Information:
The club will also be providing free transport to the game through the existing supporters’ buses. Travel via the buses will be completely free for any Thistle fans who wish to make the trip. To book your place all you need to do is contact the relevant bus (details below) and confirm your place before 9am on Monday 27th February,
Please note, alcohol is strictly prohibited on all supporters buses.
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 09.20
Station Bar – 09.30
Please call 07979496154 to book.
Cumbernauld Branch:
Pick ups:
British Legion – 10:00
Please contact Paul Devine on 07926803867 to book your seat
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 10:00
Thornwood Bar – 10:05
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 – 10:30
Esquire House – 10:45
Maryhill Community Halls – 11:00
It is important that you contact us ( or 0141 632 3604 before 9pm) to book your seat(s) as soon as possible in order that we can assess demand and make appropriate arrangements should numbers merit an additional bus being arranged.
Equally, it is important that – should your plans change and you find yourself unable to take up a booked seat – you advise us as soon as possible.
After a very satisfying win on Wednesday night there is certainly a confidence around the FIrhill camp at the moment and it was clear when the Jags boss, Alan Archibald, spoke to ptfc.co.uk yesterday that the side would be going into Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter final with a very positive mindset.
Archie began his preview by talking about just how much a semi final place would mean to everyone at the club.
“We’ve been away from it for a long time and we’re very envious of the teams like St Johnstone and Inverness who have done it recently. We had a small taste of it with the Ramsdens Cup final and took good numbers to that so we’d love to get a trip to Hampden this year.
“A big part of it is about rewarding the fans as well. They have been great with us since we took over and it is kind of the natural progression for us to do better in the cup competitions. We would certainly love to be able to give them a great day out and there is no reason why it can’t be Partick Thistle this time around.”
Thistle’s form has been excellent in recent weeks with four wins and four clean sheets in a row across all competitions.
“I’m delighted that we’re going into it in this kind of form. The players know we are in a good position in the league and we can go into Sunday and throw everything at it. That’s the plan – we’ll go into it and have a real go. We haven’t won up there this season and we’ve only won once against them here in the last few years so we know it will be a tough game.
“The recent matches have been tight contests though so it isn’t like we haven’t been competitive with them. It has taken a set play for them to break us down each time and open the scoring so we can go into it with plenty of confidence.
“We don’t want to read too much into the Accies result on Tuesday night because I thought Aberdeen were very good there. It’s probably the best I’ve seen them play this season – I thought they were very very good. We need to be ready for the backlash.
“We know that when you play up at Pittodrie it’s always going to be tough but if we can ride out the first 10 minutes and frustrate their support then we have a chance. We’ve got a consistent team now and we trust the players to go out and do the jobs we’re asking of them.
“There’s no getting away from the fact it will be a tough tie but we’ve been scoring at the right time and keeping clean sheets so, from our point of view, there won’t be a better time to go up there and take the game to them.”
Finally Archibald touched on the status of his squad in terms of injuries.
“Other than the long term ones we’re pretty much at full strength so you couldn’t really ask for any more.”
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is now available to Jagzone subscribers. Log in now to see it. Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game from midnight on Sunday and will be able to listen to live audio commentary from Pittodrie.
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 © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online or in print is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to www.ptfc.co.uk
After four consecutive victories, Partick Thistle were looking to advance into the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals with a fifth win in the spin.
They faced a formidable challenge in the form of Aberdeen. The Ladbrokes Premiership’s second placed team had overcome Ross County at Dingwall in the last round to reach this stage. The Dons had already been relatively successful in cup competition this season having reached the Betfred Cup final although they fell to defeat in that game.
Alan Archibald had selected the same starting eleven that defeated Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night. Niall Keown, Liam Lindsay and Daniel Devine all started as a back three. Callum Booth and Christie Elliott played as the wing backs with Mustapha Dumbuya only fit to make the bench. Abdul Osman, Adam Barton and Ryan Edwards formed a midfield triangle while Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine started in attack.
Thistle skipper Abdul Osman lead his Jags side onto the Pittodrie pitch which had taken damage from the heavy rainfall of recent days. Over 900 travelling Jags supporters applauded the arrival of Alan Archibald’s men.
The away side got things underway and had a very early chance. Chris Erskine found himself with the ball in space on the left flank. He spotted Christie Elliott’s run towards the back post and tried to pick out the Englishman. As Elliott looked set to head home, an excellent defensive header cleared the ball for Aberdeen.
The Dons had their first real sight of goal after 14 minutes. Niall McGinn was played the ball on the right wing and he shifted infield, onto his left foot with which he unleashed a shot. Fortunately for the visitors, it sailed harmlessly over the bar.
The first dangerous shot in target came in the 23rd minute and it was that man Niall McGinn again. The winger had been causing the Jags difficulties for the opening stages and when a Daniel Devine clearing header fell to him on the edge of the box, he almost topped off a great start with a goal. The wide-man caught said clearance in the volley and managed to find the target but Tomas Cerny was equal to it and parried the ball away from danger.
With 34 minutes gone, Aberdeen’s top scorer had a chance. Niall McGinn whipped a corner into the box finding Adam Rooney. The forward headed at goal but his effort went over the bar.
After a couple of half chances more, the hosts were able to take the lead through their captain. Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie was fed the ball just outside the box. The ex-Inverness man then turned onto his left foot before unleashing a curled effort at goal. The shot nestled into the bottom corner of Tomas Cerny’s net, leaving the Czech ‘stopper with no chance.
That Graeme Shinnie goal late in the first half meant that Partick Thistle went into half-time trailing. The Jags had defended well until the 43rd minute when the Reds took the lead. Thistle failed to create any clear-cut opportunities in the opening 45. Chris Erskine has been denied the chance to get on the ball and link up with Kris Doolan effectively by a well-organised Aberdeen team. Overall, Alan Archibald would have been unhappy with the fact that his side couldn’t make it to the interval with the game goalless.
The home side would have doubled their lead just two minutes into the second period if it hadn’t been for Tomas Cerny. An Aberdeen free-kick was whipped in and beat all the Jags defender but found Dons man, Andrew Considine. The defender redirected it towards goal, on the stretch, and it seemed that his attempt was destined to find the net however Tomas Cerny was able to reach an arm to turn it away excellently.
In the 52nd minute, Aberdeen had another opportunity to double the deficit. Peter Pawlett was able to latch onto a smart knockdown and manoeuvre to shoot towards the near post. Unfortunately for the number 16, he could only find the side netting.
It was quite clear that going forward, Thistle weren’t good enough and before the hour mark, Alan Archibald made two changes. Firstly, he brought Steven Lawless on for Adam Barton in an attempt to add some quickness and creativity in the final third. Archie also brought Ade Azeez in for Chris Erskine as he looked to add pace to the Jags frontline.
With 13 minutes left of the regulation 90, Aberdeen’s danger man was denied a goal, brilliantly. Niall McGinn found space in behind his marker and found space to shoot. He attempted a dangerous shot across goal but Tomas Cerny was equal to it, impressively getting a hand to the shot to deny the Reds a second.
In the 78th minute, Thistle made their final change. Young Kevin Nisbet came on to replace Kris Doolan and try to make something happened in the time that remained.
Despite these changes, it was an Aberdeen substitute who would go close in the dumping minutes. Anthony O’Connor rose highest to get in the end of an Aberdeen free-kick. The defender tries to head beyond Tomas Cerny but his effort came off the top of the bar and went over.
In the final stages of this quarter-final it was Thistle who had all the possession but they were struggling to create anything, however, they had a great opportunity to equalise after Steven Lawless was fouled at the corner of the box. Callum Booth found Abdul Osman at the back post with the resulting free-kick but to the frustration of the man himself, he could only head onto the roof of the net from close range.
After missing a glorious opportunity to draw level, things only got worse for Thistle. After being beaten on the flank, Daniel Devine took his man down and in the process picked up a second yellow card which lead to his dismissal.
From there on, the hosts simply ran down the clock by keeping the ball in the corner and it worked for them as the 10-man away team were unable to create any more opportunities and Aberdeen were victorious.
A disappointing result on a disappointing afternoon for the Firhill side in a game where they never found their rhythm. Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan struggled to find any openings or get any time on the ball. The back three had a fairly good game in general but one moment when Graeme Shinnie was allowed too much space cost them in the end.
Thistle’s dream of a chance to play at Hampden was gone and now it’s all focus on the league campaign. The Jags now focus on steering well clear of the bottom of the table and trying to secure a top six place.
Alan Archibald’s men are next in action against Inverness at Firhill next Saturday in the Ladbrokes Premiership with kick-off at 15:00.
Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk shortly after seeing his side go out of the William Hill Scottish Cup following a tight 1-0 defeat away to Aberdeen. Although the scoreline was close, Archibald didn’t believe his side did enough to progress in the competition.
“I thought we started well and were probably the better side for the first ten or so minutes but we fell out of it after that and didn’t do enough to win the game. A few of the boys looked a bit tired and jaded and we certainly didn’t shift the ball like we know we can. Perhaps it was just one game too many as we have played a lot of football recently but we weren’t good enough and didn’t ask the right questions of their defence.”
Jags skipper Osman had a great opportunity to head in an equaliser in the closing minutes of the match but it wasn’t to be.
“Abdul has a good chance in the closing minutes and in a game like that you simply have to take chances when they come along. We didn’t and that was one of the reasons we couldn’t get a result.
“We didn’t shift the ball well enough, perhaps the pitch hindered us there but it was the same for both sides and they played it better. We certainly won’t be using it as an excuse.”
In truth it was a poor game, something Archie acknowledged.
“I didn’t think there was much decent stuff played to be honest. One of the most disappointing aspects is the fact that our set pieces were really poor. Our delivery wasn’t good enough and that’s something they did very well. They used the big lad, Stockley, up front very well and the game came from us not dealing with one of those balls.
“When you’re playing one of the better teams in the country you have to make sure you utilise every last little bit of ability, we didn’t do that today.”
Although the disappointment of going out of the cup certainly cut the team deep, there was no sense of self-pity from the Thistle camp and Archibald knows exactly what is required between now and the end of the season.
“It’s obviously disappointing to go out of the cup but our full focus now turn to the league. We’ve got a vital run of games now and we need to make sure we get results out of them. We’ll use the disappointment today to drive us on and hopefully finish the season on a high.”
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 Callum Booth. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
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 © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to www.ptfc.co.uk.
It's all over at Pittodrie and Thistle are out of the William Hill Scottish Cup. A single goal was enough to down the Jags in a tight affair. Graeme Shinnie struck late in the first half to give the Dons the lead and there was no reply from the visitors.
A disappointing night was rounded off when Daniel Devine was sent off late in the game.
Thistle free-kick on the left wing. Cerny is up but it comes to nothing.
Aberdeen trying to run down the clock by taking it to the corner.
A late challenge sees Daniel Devine pick up a second yellow.
A Booth free-kick finds Osman at the back post but the skipper can only head onto the roof of the net.
Lawless fouled at the corner of the box.
A minimum of five added minutes will be played.
Thistle are caught napping from an Aberdeen free-kick but when Stockley gets the ball, he shoots wide on the turn.
Thistle with all the possession late on but they are struggling to create any openings against a strong Dons defence.
An Aberdeen free-kick finds O'Connor in the box. The substitute heads goalwards but it hits the bar and goes over.
McGinn fires a dangerous shot across goal but Cerny is able to hook it away.
Niall Keown goes down holding his face in the Aberdeen box. He is getting treatment.
Lawless is fouled 40 yards from goal. The free-kick comes in and Stockley gets something on it and it goes for a corner.
Ade Azeez wins a free-kick on the half-way line.
McGinn's floated cross into the middle from the corner is met by Taylor but the centre-half heads over.
A deep cross from the Reds' right finds Adam Rooney at the back post but from a difficult angle, he can only hit the frame of the goal.
A cross comes into the Thistle box which is knocked down to Pawlett. The midfielder then shoots toward the near post but can only find the side netting.
An Aberdeen free-kick is whipped in behind the Jags backline and Jayden Stockley gets on the end of it. He redirects it across goal on the stretch and it seems destined for the far corner but Cerny reaches a long arm out and turns it away.
Adam Rooney gets the second half underway.
A Graeme Shinnie goal late in the first half means that Partick Thistle are behind at the break. The Jags had defended well until the 42nd minute when Shinnie was fed the ball, 20 yards from goal. The Dons captain was allowed to move onto his left foot and unleash a curling shot low past Cerny.
Thistle failed to create any clear-cut opportunities in the opening 45. Chris Erskine has been denied the chance to get on the ball and link up with Kris Doolan.
Overall, Alan Archibald will be unhappy with the fact that his side couldn't make it to the interval with the game goalless.
Craig Thomson ends the first half.
Edwards is shown a yellow for a late challenge on Niall McGinn.
There will be one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
Shinnie is fed the ball on the edge of the box and shifts onto his left foot to shoot. The Aberdeen skipper then curls an excellent shot into the bottom corner past Cerny.
A new ball is introduced to the game after a Niall McGinn cross lands on the roof of the Merkland Stand and stays up there.
Erskine is booked for a poor challenge on Shay Logan.
Jonny Hayes lofts a high free kick into the box which isn't cleared by the Jags defence. It is eventually headed over by Adam Rooney.
A Niall McGinn corner finds Adam Rooney in the middle. The striker rises to head at goal but his attempt is over the bar.
As a cross comes in from the Dons' left wing a collection of bodies rise to contest. Devine clears it but Peter Pawlett and Liam Lindsay have a clash of heads. Both receive treatment but are able to continue.
Niall McGinn is played in behind Callum Booth and is able to get a low cross away. Stockley and Rooney are both waiting for a tap-in but Cerny gets down to collect the cross well.
Big chance for Aberdeen! Daniel Devine heads a long ball away but it drops to Niall McGinn just outside the box. The Dons man volleys towards goal but Cerny parries well to his left, getting the ball out of the danger area.
The Thistle fans are in full voice here at Pittodrie having filled their section of the ground to the brim. It's a great effort from the travelling supporters today.
After a Niall McGinn cross causes chaos in the Jags box, the ball drops to Ash Taylor who tries a volley. However, the attempt doesn't have any power behind it and loops over the bar.
Aberdeen are starting to use the ball more effectively in the final thrid and have a corner after Niall Keown headed a deep cross behind.
Niall McGinn received the ball on the Dons' right before cutting in onto his left foot. The winger then has a shot at goal from 20 yards but it sails safely over Tomas Cerny's goal.
Free kick to Thistle on the right flank after Taylor fouled Doolan. The ball was whipped in and Niall Keown was able to knock it down. Liam Lindsay tried to smash it home but Joe Lewis collected the loose ball before he had the chance.
Rooney is fed the ball inside the Thistle box and tries to find a teammate with a lifted pass across the box but Cerny claims the ball.
Booth has a cross blocked by Logan.
Erskine finds space on the left and tries to pick out Elliott at the back post but it is headed behind by an Aberdeen man.
Abdul Osman leads the contingent of Jags men onto the Pittodrie turf in Thistle's white away kit. The pitch has suffered from heavy rainfall over recent days but the pitch is still fit for competition, however, it could affect the play of both teams.
Craig Thomson is today's referee and after handshakes are exchanged, Kris Doolan will get things underway.
A sizeable travelling Thistle support have taken their seats here at Pittodrie. They wait, with eager anticipation, for kick-ogff in today's William Hill Scottish Cup Quarter-Final between Aberdeen and Partick Thistle.
The Jags come into the game with great confidence having won their last three games without conceding a single goal.
Alan Archibald has selected the same starting eleven that defeated Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night. Niall Keown, Liam Lindsay and Daniel Devine all start as a back three. Callum Booth and Christie Elliott start as the wing backs as Mustapha Dumbuya is only fit to make the bench. Abdul Osman, Adam Barton and Ryan Edwards form a midfield triangle while Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine start in attack.
Rangers, Hibernian and Celtic have all booked their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals already and Thistle will be looking to join that list with a victory here today.