SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Wed 20 December, 2017. Kick Off: - 19:45
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Supporters Information:
Ticket Details:
This match is an ALL-TICKET match. Tickets will be available to purchase until 4pm on Wednesday 20th December
Tickets are priced as follows:
Restricted view:
Adults – £24 Concessions – £14, Under 13 – £7
A concession is a person aged under 16 and over 65.
Disabled tickets are also available. Please contact the club on 0141 579 1971 for more details.
Unrestricted view:
Adults – £27 Concessions – £17, Under 13 – £10
A concession is a person aged under 16 and over 65.
Disabled tickets are also available. Please contact the club on 0141 579 1971 for more details.
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 18:35
Station Bar – 18:45
Non members welcome.
Please call 07979496154 or email to book.
Jordanhill Branch:
The Jordanhill Branch will NOT be running a bus to this fixture
North-West Branch:
The North-West Branch will NOT be running a bus to this fixture
As Thistle reach the halfway point in an incredibly hectic December, it is the short trip to cross city rivals, Celtic, that awaits Alan Archibald and his side on Wednesday night.
Having watched Rodgers’ men get blown away by Hearts on Sunday Archie admitted, when he spoke to ptfc.co.uk, that he had mixed feelings about the result which brought the unbeaten run to an end.
“I think I definitely watched Sunday’s match with mixed emotions. On the one hand it definitely highlighted weaknesses that can give all teams a bit of hope when facing Celtic and we’ll take that into Wednesday night’s game. On the other hand though, Brendan will be looking for a reaction and everyone at the club will be desperate to bounce back in front of their home fans.
“Craig Levein was spot on before the game when he said that for Hearts to get a result they needed to have a really good day and Celtic had to have an off day. I don’t think that’s being negative I just think that’s the truth. Take nothing away from Hearts though, they were terrific and while Celtic might have had an off day we will need the same levels of performance if we are to get something against them on Wednesday night.”
Archibald was keen to play down the potential reaction from Celtic, preferring instead to keep the focus on his own team.
“I think we’re aware that there might be a backlash from Celtic but you would expect nothing less – they’re an incredibly professional outfit. It won’t affect us though we just need to focus on what we can control and that’s our own preparation and performance. Not much will change from our point of view, we’re just concentrating on ourselves.”
It was clear to see that Hearts really took the game to Celtic on Sunday and Archibald has reiterated to his players that energy levels will be key.
“Our work rate will be vital and we need to really work hard from the first whistle to the last if we are to take anything from the game. It’s always going to be a tough place to go though. The pitch is big and you need to be brave in every area to stop them running over the top of you.”
Thistle have good memories from the last time they visited the East End as the side came away with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a 63rd minute Ade Azeez strike. That experience will be something Archibald emphasises in the run up to kick off.
“We had a good result across there last season when we got a draw. We maybe rode our luck a wee bit in the early stages as they had a number of good chances but we saw out that early storm and that’s what you need to do against Celtic.
“We’ve had a couple of OK results through there in terms of performance but we’ve had a couple of bad ones as well. We need to focus on the positives we have taken from our previous meetings and use that on Wednesday night.”
A disappointing defeat away to Dundee left the Jags at the bottom of the table and the Thistle boss knows that his team have to give more if thy are to move up the table.
“We haven’t been at the top of our game recently and I think that’s clear for all to see. We’re bottom of the league but we won’t let that affect us negatively. We went through to Celtic Park in a similar position last year and we raised our game, we need to do the same again on Wednesday night.”
“We didn’t expect to be where we are when we were looking forward to this season and there has been a very frustrating lack of consistency. The only thing that has been consistent has been errors – both individual and collective – and that’s what has killed us this year. We need to cut those errors out of our game because it is costing us big time just now.”
Finally Archibald updated us on the current state of his squad.
“We’re still hopeful of getting two or three players back from injury in the next month or so but the squad won’t change for Wednesday.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Chris Erskine and Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald, are available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them.
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Jagzone members will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game.
Can’t make it to the Celtic Park? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 7:15pm on Wednesday night.
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Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
After securing their first win since late October against Motherwell last Wednesday, Partick Thistle slumped back to a loss at Dens Park as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Dundee. A week after their success against the Steelmen, the Jags looked to get back on track with a tricky trip to Parkhead to take on Celtic knowing an upset victory would see them rise off the foot of the league table.
Two changes were made to the side who fell to defeat in Dundee at the weekend. Conor Sammon dropped to the bench being replaced by Steven Lawless as the Jags reverted to a 4-2-3-1 set-up. Martin Woods also came out of the team, missing out on a place in the squad altogether due to a light knock. He was replaced by Thistle Weir Youth Academy graduate who returned to the stadium where he made his first start for Partick Thistle’s first team.
As expected, the treble-defending hosts started quickly as they aimed to rectify their very own defeat from the weekend and they carved out the match’s first chance after 11 minutes. Stuart Armstrong’s free kick found the head of Kristoffer Ajer who had made a great run to lose his marker in the Jags area. Ajer tried to direct the ball goalwards but he ended up nodding it off his own shoulder and over the bar.
Kieran Tierney then saw a low drive from range saved and held by Tomas Cerny as the Bhoys continued to search for an opener.
Thistle had their first sight of goal 17 minutes in as Jordan Turnbull headed Blair Spittal corner in goal. The attempt was going straight in Craig Gordon’s arms but Scott Brown smashed it away from Gordon and danger.
The home side would find their breakthrough, however, as Stuart Armstrong broke the deadlock on 34 minutes. Thistle had defended brilliantly for the opening minutes of the match and were in the end undone by a bit of magic from Scotland international, Armstrong. The ex-Dundee United midfielder found a bit of space around the edge of the Jags area and unleashed an excellent shot, finding the top corner on his weaker left side.
Going into the break, the score was 1-0 and the Jags would have reason to feel hard done by as they’d limited the home side to very few even half chances and it took an exquisite shot from the edge of the box to beat the travelling Thistle backline.
Alan Archibald made his first change of the match 12 minutes into the second 45 as young Andrew McCarthy was withdrawn with Chris Erskine being introduced to the game.
Celtic almost doubled the deficit on the hour mark as Jordan Turnbull’s clearing header fell to Odsonne Edouard in the Thistle box. The Frenchman vollied on goal but Tomas Cerny made a smart save down to his left to turn the ball away. Thistle then made a second change of the evening as Kris Doolan replaced Miles Storey who had received little support all night.
Despite Edouard being denied by Tomas Cerny, Celtic would get lead-doubling goal through Kieran Tierney on 66 minutes. A smart and slick one-two between the left-back and Scott Sinclair got Tierney in behind the Jags’ rear-guard and he fired a powerful shot high beyond Cerny to make it 2-0.
Following the goal, Alan Archibald made his final personnel alteration of the night as Gary Fraser came on in place of Blair Spittal.
Leigh Griffiths had the final opportunity of the match as his right-footed shot was turned behind by Tomas Cerny after the striker nipped past Daniel Devine with just over ten minutes left of the regulation 90.
As such, the match would end with Celtic coming out on top by two goals to nil. The loss left the Jags still propping up the Ladbrokes Premiership table with Ross County two points ahead of the Maryhill men.
Alan Archibald and the Thistle squad now look towards the weekend’s clash with Hamilton Accies as the Jags look to haul themselves off the bottom of the table. Kick-off is 15:00 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
Article Copyright ©. 2017. 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 Celtic Park this evening looking to climb off the foot of the Ladbrokes Premiership table. Three points would have taken the Jags above Ross County but it wasn’t to be for the Maryhill men as Celtic came out on top.
A first half goal from Stuart Armstrong and a second half strike by Kieran Tierney were the difference between the Glasgow sides as Thistle suffered a defeat which leaves them two points below the relegation play-off spot going into Saturday’s crunch match against Hamilton at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
Jags boss, Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the game.
To start, Alan gave us his view of the 90 minutes.
“We kept our shape fairly well throughout the game and our game plan was working for the first half hour. We wanted to frustrate the home crowd and you could hear some rumblings from the stands in the first half. Obviously, the goal then lifts the crowd. I was disappointed in the manner of the goal we conceded; I know that it was a great strike but we really should have been tighter to Armstrong.”
The gaffer was unhappy with the way the Jags used the ball as he felt they should have been more effective when they had the possession.
“Our ball retention was really poor and that’s probably the main reason that we had so few dangerous attacks. There have been times when we’ve lost heavily to Celtic with better play in possession than that which is disappointing. Even when we brought Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan on, we were dropping deeper which isolates them and destroys that bridge between midfield and attack. There were too many occasions when we looked scared to play the quick pass and instead went safe and backwards.”
Archie was, however, pleased with his side’s organisation. After some poor showings lately, the defense put in a good shift to limit Celtic’s creative forces.
“I was happy with the lads tonight, from a defensive viewpoint. Their shape was excellent and there was a focus and determination that has been missing in some games recently. The boys stuck to their tasks and were taking fewer risks. However, the key thing is that we have to show these qualities in games against the teams around us and not just when we visit Parkhead.”
The Thistle manager was also delighted to get through the game with no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of his side’s final three games of the year.
“It’s good to be making it through games with all the lads intact because most of them will have an important part to play over the next three matches. I took young Andy McCarthy off fairly early because he hasn’t played too many games recently and he was on a booking. The plan was always to get Chris Erskine on to try to use the ball a bit more. Martin Woods did pull out of the squad fairly late with a minor knock but we’ll need to assess that tomorrow to get a better idea of the problem.”
There was an element of controversy towards the end of the match as a moment of frustration saw Gary Fraser feel the ire of the home support. Archibald though was quick to defend the actions as foolish rather than malicious.
“He didn’t mean it. He tries to hit the board out of frustration that he’s taken a bad touch. I don’t think there was any malice in it, he’s not that type of lad.
“He shouldn’t have done it and we’ll deal with it. He’s not done it deliberately and he’s also tried to apologise at the end of the match. I think he’s tried to smash the ball off the wall in front of the fans and just misjudged it. Nobody in their right mind would try and do that from so close, especially with how hard Gary can hit a ball.”
Alan and his squad now turn their attentions to Saturday afternoon’s clash with Hamilton Accies at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill when they have another chance to pull themselves off the bottom of the table. Kick-off is 15:00 in Maryhill.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Jordan Turnbull. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
New Jagzone subscribers can get their first month absolutely FREE. Click here to find out more
Jagzone subscribers can rewatch the full 90 minutes soon.
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 © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Wed 20 December, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Griffiths goers past Devine before seeing his right footed attempt turned behind by Cerny.
Boyata heads on goal but it's straight at Cerny who easily cathces.
Devine's sliding block denies Edouard another shot on goal.
Edouard's low cross is turned behind by Devine who just avoids a potential own goal scenario.
Scott Sinclair and Kieran Tierney play a quick one-two which gets the latter in behind the Thistle rear-guard in the Jags box. He then fires a shot high past Cerny to give the hosts a two-goal lead.
Scott Sincalir drives to the byline, beyond Blair Spittal, before cutting the ball back. He finds Odsonne Edouard but the French striker's low shot is saved well by Cerny.
Jordan Turnbull's clearing header lands at the feet of Odsonne Edouard. The Frenchman hits a volley but Cerny produces a smart save to turn it away.
Kieran Tierney's right-footed shot flies high and wde of the Thistle goal from 20 yards.
Daniel Devine is booked for a tug back on Odsonne Edouard.
Kieran Tierney's fizzing cross rises just over Cerny's bar as the left-back almost inadvertently finds the target.
Barton goes into the book having tugged Sinclair back as the Celtic winger broke forward.
Stuart Armstrong's low shot from 35 yards is held comfortably by Tomas Cerny.
Armstrong rifles a shot into the top corner from around 20 yards.
Scott Sinclair uses an overlap as a decoy so that he can cut inside. He moves in-field and bends a shot on goal but his attempt sails a few yards over Tomas Cerny's goal.
A headed clearance falls to Mikael Lustig who hits it on the half-volley. He's leaning back as he strikes it and sees his effort fly well over the bar.
Jordan Turnbull's header on goal is turned away by Scott Brown's head. He took it away from Craig Gordon's grasp.
Paul McGinn's cross is blocked at source by Scott Sinclair.
Thistle youngster, McCarthy is cautioned for a late tackle on Scott Brown.
Kieran Tierney cuts inside from the left and drives in-field. He then shoots low with his right foot but Tomas Cerny is able to save and hold the shot at his near post.
A Stuart Armstrong free kick from the Celtic left finds the head of Kristoffer Ajer. The centre-half makes a mess of the header though as he shoulders it over the bar.
Armstrong breaks the Thistle backline getting in behind Paul McGinn but when he flashes a ball across goal, no one can get to it and the move ends.
Hello and welcome to the ptfc.co.uk live text commentary for Partick Thistle's trip to Parkhead to take on Brendan Rodgers' Celtic side.
The Jags come into the game sat at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table but they know that three points tonight would lift them above fellow strugglers Ross County. The hosts are in the unfamiliar position of looking to bounce back from a league defeat this evening after their 69 game unbeaten domestic run ended at the weekend as Hearts beat them 4-0.
There are two changes to the Thistle side who started at Dens Park on Saturday with Steven Lawless and young Andrew McCarthy coming into the starting 11. Conor Sammon drops to the bench while experienced midfielder Martin Woods fails to make the squad.
The teams are out warming up and the fans are filtering in. Kick-off is 25 minutes away and you won't miss any of the action here at ptfc.co.uk.