cinch Championship
Sat 13 November, 2021. Kick Off: - 15:00
Somerset Park
Fixture Information:
Ticket Information:
Tickets are now available for Jags fans to purchase for this fixture, which kicks off at 3pm.
There will be no cash gate available at Somerset Park on Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased from HERE.
Tickets are priced as below:
Adult – £18
Concessions* – £12
Under 18s – £6
*concessions are classed as over 65, under 21 and students. Proof of ID verifying age/student status may be required at the turnstile.
Thistle supporters will have the choice of sitting in the West Stand area of the Main Stand or occupying the Railway End terracing behind the goal. Tickets will only be valid for the section you have purchased for.
All ticket sales will be conducted online with no tickets at Firhill for Thistle supporters to purchase.
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 11:15
Station Bar – 11:30
For seats call Duncan 07979496154 or e-mail
John Lambie Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 13:15
Thornwood Bar – 13:20
Prices:
Adults – £14
Concessions – £10
Booking is essential and priority will be given to former members and regulars. Seating will be limited and face-coverings must worn: this follows instructions from the coach company.
To make a booking phone or e-mail Alistair on 07817612563 or Alternatively phone or e-mail Iain on 07779668357 or
North-West Branch:
Pick ups:
Milngavie Railway Station – 12:15
Esquire House, Anniesland – 12:35
Maryhill Community Central Halls – 12:50
Fares:
Full fare – £12
Concessions – £7.50
Please remember that the wearing of a face covering is mandatory at all times when on the North-West bus and will remain so until government guidelines are changed.
Audio Commentary
Our JagZone audio commentary service will be back this weekend with audio coverage of our cinch Championship match against Ayr United.
Join our commentary team on Saturday afternoon as they bring you comprehensive audio coverage of the match. The show gets underway at 2:30pm.
To listen to the broadcast, simply log in to your Jagzone account, click on the audio commentary tab and press the play button on the player.
Virtual 50/50 half-time draw
The usual virtual draw format applies with 50% of net sales going to the first prize winner, with the draw made on Saturday afternoon. A second “mystery” prize will also be on offer. Winners will be announced on the club’s social media channels.
Tickets to enter cost just £1 each with no limit on the amount of tickets you can purchase. Remember, the more tickets you purchase, the better your chances of winning!
Good luck!
Entries will close at 3:30pm on Saturday 13th November 2021
Just five weeks on from their last game against Ayr United, Partick Thistle will be taking on the Honest Men once again on Saturday in cinch Championship action. The Jags ran out 4-0 winners against Jim Duffy’s side at Firhill last month with Zak Rudden, Cammy Smith and Brian Graham on the scoresheet. Ayr will be hoping to do better this time round as they seek to reduce the eight point gap that exists between the two sides. Jags assistant manager Neil Scally spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the trip to Ayrshire:
“Somerset Park is a place I know well of course and it’s a very hard place to go and get three points. Inverness drew there last week and Killie needed a last minute goal to win so we know it’s not going to be an easy game.
“There’s a bit of a gap opening up between the top five and the bottom five but Ayr will see this as a good opportunity to try to close that gap and move closer to the play-offs. For us, we want to continue the good defensive work we’ve been doing recently and hopefully get a couple of goals as well.”
Despite the side’s convincing win the last time they faced this weekend’s opponents, Neil says the team are taking nothing for granted this time round.
“We’ve already seen how unpredictable this league is first hand. We beat Morton and Dunfermline relatively comfortably during the first quarter but they then gave us a really tough game second time round. Likewise we got better results recently against Inverness and Kilmarnock than we did previously so that win last month counts for nothing now and we’ll need to be at our best to get a win again.”
The Jags got back to winning ways last Saturday against Kilmarnock after a string of draws and Scally says the boys are in a good place as they prepare to take on the Honest Men.
“We’re feeling good at the moment. We’re unbeaten in six league games and last week’s result was absolutely massive for us. Beating Kilmarnock means the goalless draws look a little bit better and it really tightened things up at the top of the table with a few other teams drawing.
“We want to continue that though. Everyone knows how important it can be to go on a run in this league and we’ve got the start of a really good run at the moment. If we can keep picking up points, and preferably wins, then we’ll be putting a lot of pressure on the other teams in the top half.”
The basis of Thistle’s recent success has been their defensive solidity but, with Lewis Mayo away on international duty this week, there will have to be a change to the settled backline for the trip to Somerset.
“Lewis and Tunji have been doing really well together so Lewis will be a big miss of course. I thought they were both terrific last weekend and you don’t want to break that up but we’ve got no choice with this game.
“Central defence is one area where we don’t have that many options; we’ve only got two players out injured in the whole squad but they’re both centre-halves! There are still ways for us to deal with it though – Ciaran McKenna and Kevin Holt can both slot into that role so we’ll just have to get on with it.”
Exclusive video interviews with Connor Murray and Thistle assistant manager Alan Archibald will be available for JagZone subscribers to watch today – log in to view.
JagZone subscribers will be able to tune in to live audio commentary for our clash with Ayr United, starting at 2:30pm – click here to tune in.
We’ll have extended highlights and a full game replay of the fixture on JagZone following the game.
Article Copyright © 2021. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Just seven days removed from a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, Partick Thistle were back in Ayrshire looking to extend their current unbeaten run with a result against Jim Duffy’s Ayr United.
The Jags came into the game off the back of six league games without defeat; a run which started with a 4-0 win over the Honest Men at Firhill.
There were two changes made to the side which beat Killie a week prior with Brian Graham replacing Connor Murray in attack while Ciaran McKenna came in for Lewis Mayo who was away on international duty.
It was a game which began in a fairly scrappy fashion with only half-chances forthcoming for either side. For the hosts, Patrick Reading got on the end of a Mark McKenzie cross at the back post, however, his headed effort flew well over the bar.
Thistle then had a couple of opportunities through Brian Graham as the number nine sought to mark his return to the starting line-up with a goal. Firstly, a Kyle Turner free-kick fell to Graham at the edge of the box but he could only fire over the bar as he shot on the swivel.
He then had another sight of goal in the 21st minute. Scott Tiffoney collected the ball from a headed clearance and floated it into the danger area. Graham attacked it, looking to get a glancing touch on the delivery, but his flick only took it into the waiting arms of Ayr ‘keeper Aidan McAdams.
The Jags did find a way through though as former Ayr captain Ross Docherty found the back of the net on 29 minutes. Zak Rudden had won a free-kick 20 yards from goal and Thistle skipper Docherty stepped up to take it. He tried to sneak a shot through the Ayr wall with the ball taking a hefty deflection as it made its way towards goal. As such, McAdams was massively wrong-footed and couldn’t get back across his goal quickly enough to stop Docherty’s effort from nestling into the bottom corner.
The away side didn’t waste any time in going for a second and were able to double their advantage just two minutes later. It was another set piece as Kyle Turner’s corner kick caused mayhem this time round. The midfielder’s delivery fell perfectly for Brian Graham who had found a yard of space in the centre of the goal and on the volley he struck it home to get his 12th of the season in all competitions.
Coming out for the second half, Ayr had to try to force a way back into the game and they almost did three minutes after the restart. Again it was Patrick Reading with the chance at the back post as he got on the end of Tomi Adeloye’s ball across the face of goal, however, as he slid in to meet the ball he sent it flying over the bar.
That was about as good as it got for Ayr as Thistle slowed the pace of the game right down. Johnathan Afolabi saw a low shot from the edge of the box saved by Jamie Sneddon in the 49th minute but after that, there wasn’t much in the way of goalmouth action until Thistle added a third with 10 minutes to play.
It was a goal produced by patience as the Maryhill men moved the ball from side to side calmly in the Ayr half. Eventually it was passed out to Ciaran McKenna on the Jags’ right and the defender played the ball infield to Ross Docherty before darting down the line. Docherty returned the ball to Thistle’s number 16 who in turn chipped a high cross towards the back post where Brian Graham was waiting. The striker backpedalled to meet the cross and simply nodded it back across goal into the far corner to make it 3-0.
There was to be a fourth as well as substitute Shea Gordon got in on the act back at the scene of one of his best moments in red and yellow. This goal was another of the well-worked sort, coming down the left flank on this occasion. Ross Docherty won a loose ball in the Ayr half and fed it out to Stuart Bannigan on the left side of the midfield. Bannigan then played it over to Connor Murray who was at the corner of the Ayr box having come on for Scott Tiffoney. Thistle’s number eight didn’t settle having made the pass as he burst past Connor Murray on the overlap, getting the ball back from the former Queen of the South man. Bannigan then played a low cross into the six-yard box which evaded a collection of dangling legs before finding Shea Gordon at the back post. He took one touch to steady himself before side-footing the ball into the net for his first of the campaign.
With that, Thistle stretched their run of league games without defeat to seven and their run of consecutive clean sheets to five, moving up into the top four at the expense of Arbroath.
Next up for Ian McCall’s side is a home fixture against Hamilton Accies on November 20th.
The management team’s written previews and reactions are presented by The Jags Trust. You can keep up to date with the latest from The Jags Trust by visiting their website, www.jagstrust.com.
A convincing win over Ayr United at Somerset Park this afternoon made it seven games unbeaten in league action for Partick Thistle as well as five clean sheets on the bounce. Ross Docherty opened the scoring against his former club with a free-kick just past the hour mark before Brian Graham added a second shortly thereafter. Graham netted again with a second half header before substitute Shea Gordon rounded off the scoring in added time. The victory takes Thistle back into the top four, leapfrogging Arbroath thanks to their superior goal difference. Thistle assistant manager Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game:
“It’s a fantastic win for us. We knew we had to build off the back of the win at Rugby Park and that’s exactly what we’ve done. It started out quite frantically and it was a scrappy game for the first 20 minutes or so but that first goal settled us right down and we didn’t really look back after that.”
Brian Graham was recalled to the starting XI for the game and Archie was full of praise for the number nine who scored his fourth brace of the season today.
“I thought Brian was fantastic today. His goalscoring record since he’s been at the club has been remarkable and he brings so much more to the team than just those goals. We brought him back into the team today in a slightly different role than usual.
“Zak continued what he did last week at the top of the pitch while Brian was dropping in a bit more to mark their midfielders and his effort was first class from the first whistle to the last.”
With Lewis Mayo away on international duty some might have expected Thistle’s clean sheet streak to snap but the Jags held firm and made it five shutouts in a row much to the delight of the management team.
“It’s a great run we’re on at the moment. Again, Jamie didn’t have all that much to do because whenever they were taking shots they were either from long range or we were getting blocks in so credit has to go to that back four for the way they held their shape and remained organised from beginning to end.
“Ciaran McKenna came into the team and did really well. He defended confidently and also got the assist for the third goal which is what you want to see when someone gets a chance having previously been on the bench. We saw it with Connor Murray last week and it’s a sign of the strength we have in the squad.”
Now the Maryhill men look towards next week’s home clash with Hamilton which Alan says is going to be a crucial game for the team.
“We go into a break for the cup after the Hamilton game so we really want to go into that break on a positive note with the momentum that we’ve been building intact. Accies didn’t do themselves justice the last time we played them so I’m sure they’ll be desperate to get one back on us.
“We’re feeling confident though and we go into every game feeling like we can win. Our last two home games have been a little bit disappointing for us so hopefully we can get back to winning at home next Saturday.”
Further reaction from Thistle assistant manager Alan Archibald will be available for JagZone subscribers to watch tonight – log in to view.
We’ll also have extended highlights and a full game replay of today’s match on JagZone tonight.
Article Copyright © 2021. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 13 November, 2021
cinch Championship 
Somerset Park
Two goals in each half see Thistle record an emphatic 4-0 win.
Ross Docherty and Brian Graham scored in the first half with Graham adding his own second in the second half and sub Shea Gordon rounding off the scoring just before the final whistle.
Murray's low cross finds Gordon at the back post and he drives the ball home from close range.
Holt is the one to get the corner clear.
Back defending Graham heads the corner clear.
O'Connor's deep cross drops out for a goal kick as Sneddon nears another clean sheet.
Turner limps off to be replaced by Gordon.
Docherty nudges the ball to Graham but there is no hat-trick for the striker as McAdams is well placed to make a comfortable save.
Sneddon gets a strong hand to O'Connor's cross to get the ball away from his goal.
And that should be the points for Thistle. McKenna lifts a cross to the back post where Graham places a header into the corner of the net.
Thistle make their first change. Big ovation for Zak as he goes off.
Turner's free kick drops to Graham at the edge of the box but his wild volley goes way off the bar.
Rudden is able to flick the ball on for Graham but is caught by an Ayr player and the referee stops play.
We're into the last quarter of the game but it is far from won for Thistle yet. Ayr have been the better side second half so far.
Holt again takes charge to head clear.
Holt is in bravely to head clear Murdoch's corner. The physio is called for but Holt is back on his feet and the physio isn't required.
McAdams makes a confident catch from Turner's corner.
O'Connor, just on for Ayr, clips a ball into the Thistle box but Sneddon is quickly off his line to claim the ball.
Docherty is able to nod a long throw from McKenna towards goal but not close enough for Graham to get on the end of it.
Afolabi is able to turn and shoot at the edge of the Thistle box but it is a comfortable save for Sneddon. It's the home side that have started the second half the better.
Adeloye lifts a really clever ball across the Thistle goal. Reading stretches to reach it but can't keep his shot down.
Akinola steps across to sweep the ball away from Maxwell.
Thistle get the second half underway.
Two goals in two minutes see Thistle go into the interval with the relative comfort of a two goal advantage.
Ross Docherty's deflected free kick after 29 minutes put Thistle ahead with Brian Graham added a second following a Turner corner two minutes later.
The next goal in this match will be of vital importance. There is enough evidence to suggest it will come from Thistle but evidence too that Ayr are more than capable of troubling the Thistle defence.
Akinola and Holt have been outstanding in the centre of the Thistle defence but Adeloye in particular looks a real handful.
As do Rudden and Graham at the other end with Rudden causing Fjortoft, who has been booked, all kinds of problems.
Ayr eventually get the ball clear after Tiffoney picks it up on the left after Turner's free kick.
Fjortoft hauls Rudden to the ground and Thistle have a free kick wide on the right.
Adeloye's cross spins to McAllister 12 yards out and in the centre of the box but he can't enough power or direction on his shot to get it past Sneddon who saves right on his goal line.
Afolabi throws himself to the ground inside the box with Holt in close attention. It's the very definition of an optimistic penalty appeals and referee Duncan duly gives the goal kick.
A low Turner cross after combining with Tiffoney, squirms across the face of the Ayr goal. Thistle looking for a third goal.
Tiffoney hangs a cross into the Ayr six yard box that is headed clear. McKenna collects the clearance at the edge of the box and his shot isn't too far wide of McAdams left hand post.
It's a quick fire double for Thistle. Graham peels away to get on the end of Turner's corner and buries a shot past McAdams.
Turner drives at the Ayr defence and McAdams turns his shot round the post.
There is more than a touch of good fortune surrounding this one. Docherty's free kick hits the wall and deflects away from the reach of McAdams and finds the bottom corner of the net.
Rudden is fouled and Thistle a free kick a few yards outside the box and just left of centre.
The free kick is aimed deep into the Thistle box. Akinola heads clear but the ball is picked up again by Ayr and Adeloye' shot is half blocked with Sneddon preventing a corner.
McKenna is penalised for a foul and Ayr have a free kick wide on the left.
Adeloye bursts into the Thistle box on the right hand side but his touch is poor allowing Thistle to clear.
Graham isn't far away from connecting with Tiffoney's high ball into the Ayr box.
Turner can't pick out a Thistle player from the corner and Ayr clear.
Rudden's chipped cross is headed behind for a corner.
A dip of the shoulders from Tiffoney gets him away from McAllister. He is able to advance to the edge of the Ayr box where his low drive is blocked by a defender.
Graham nods on Turner's deep corner but the ball doesn't drop for Akinola.
Thistle have the game's first corner.
Better from Thistle as Graham collects a Turner free kick at the edge of the box. He turns before sending a shot over the Ayr crossbar.
Reading gets above Turner at the back post and head over a cross from McKenzie.
It's Ayr that are on top at the moment and Afolabi nearly finds himself clear on the Thistle goal but the ball skips away from him allowing Sneddon to gather.
Holt powerfully heads clear a Chalmers cross as Ayr start to press.
A dangerous cross from Foster just doesn't fall nicely for either Rudden or Graham but encouraging all the same.
It looks like McKenna at right back , Foster at left back and Akinola and Holt in the centre of the Thistle defence.
We're underway at Somerset. Thistle are shooting towards the away end and the Thistle fans in the first half.
Ian McCall makes two changes from the side that defeated Kilmarnock 7 days ago.
Lewis Mayo is on under 21 duty with Scotland and he is replaced by Ciaran McKenna while Brian Graham gets the nod to start ahead of Connor Murray.