SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Wed 5 April, 2017. Kick Off: - 19:45
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Supporter Information:
Tickets on sale: SOLD OUT
Tickets are on sale to Season Ticket holders only with a maximum of four per season ticket.
The exclusive season ticket holder sales period will last until 10am on Monday 27th March.
Tickets will go on general sale at Noon on Monday 27th March.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN ALL TICKET GAME. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM CELTIC PARK AND NO CASH TURNSTILE WILL BE IN OPERATION. TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM THE FIRHILL OFFICES UNTIL 5PM ON TUESDAY 5th APRIL AFTER WHICH NO FURTHER TICKET SALES WILL BE MADE.
Jags fans can secure their ticket for the trip to Celtic Park through one of the following three ways: purchasing from ptfctickets.co.uk, calling the club on 01415791971 and selecting option 1 for general enquiries or by visiting the office in person between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday.
Tickets come in two categories – restricted view and unrestricted view – and are priced as follows:
Unrestricted View:
Adults – £26, Concessions – £17, Under 13 – 10
Restricted View:
Adults – £23, Concessions – £14, Under 13 – £7
A concession qualifies as over 65 or under 16.
Disabled tickets are also available at £10(carer free of charge). Please contact the club on 0141 579 1971 or visit the Firhill offices to purchase.
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 18.35
Station Bar – 18.45
Non members welcome.
For seats call Duncan 07979496154 or e-mail .
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 18:30
Thornwood Bar – 18:35
Prices:
£10 for adults
£5 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:
The North-West Branch will not run a bus to this fixture.
Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of his side’s trip to Celtic Park on Wednesday night. With his side in pole position for sixth spot the Maryhill men face the formidable task of trying to stop a so far unbeatable Celtic side. While Archibald is under no illusions, he knows his side go into the tie in excellent form and full of confidence.
“It’s a tough place to go, there’s no doubt about that but we’ve put ourselves in the best possible position. We said to the lads after we beat Aberdeen that we wanted them to go on a run as we played all the teams around us and, to give our players credit, they have been brilliant. They’ve gone undefeated but we knew how important it was to get those points on the board because we knew we had these tough games coming at the end of the run.
“We’ve put ourselves in pole position for the top six place but we’ll need a really good performance today to stand a chance of going and getting anything. To be fair though we do go into the game full of confidence so if it’s going to be then it’s going to be.
“They’ve been almost invincible this season and they are a really tough, tough team to play. I think when you look at Griffiths and Dembele not being able to play at the weekend some thought that would make them weaker but if anything it just made them stronger as it was a real hard system to play against.”
While most of the pre-match focus away from Firhill has been on the champions, Archibald is quietly confident that his side will be able to cause their cross-city neighbours some problems of their own.
“We need to cope with what they have to offer but it’s important to remember that we did create chances the last time we went there and that should give us greater confidence. We had a few good chances when we played there in December and, even though we lost 1-0, on a different day it could have been a very different story.
“We need to make sure we start well and stifle the atmosphere in the first 10 or 15 minutes. They will want to create a party atmosphere but we’re hoping to spoil it. We’ll concentrate on our own game and performing as well as we know we can, we won’t be phased by what will no doubt be a big atmosphere.”
Kilmarnock currently sit four points behind Archie’s men and have games against Rangers, Celtic and Hearts to look forward to.
“Kilmarnock have got tough games coming up, just like we do, but they maybe have a small advantage as they’ve got two at home. We just need to make sure we match their results and don’t let the small cushion that we do have go to waste.
“Our main goal is first and foremost getting into the top six. Once we get there we’ll see where we are and set the next target for the post-split games. At the moment though everything is focussed on making sure that spot in the top six is ours.
“We’re in a good position just now but you saw last season just how quickly things can change. We missed out by a single goal up in Dingwall and all of a sudden found ourselves in a relegation battle. That’s why it’s so important to remain focussed right until the end.
“A top six place doesn’t just mean safety but it also allows us to go and plan early for next season which is vital and can make a big difference. As I say though, we aren’t there yet and we just need to take it a game at a time, starting with tonight at Celtic Park.”
A full video interview with Alan Archibald is now available to Jagzone subscribers. Log in now to see them.
Can’t make Celtic Park? Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game from midnight and will be able to listen to live audio commentary from the east end.
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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
Following an important win against Ross County, Partick Thistle travelled to Parkhead to take on Celtic who were crowned Ladbrokes Premiership champions on Sunday after a rampant 5-0 win at Tynecastle. Meanwhile, the Jags were looking to take a further step towards a top six finish as the split edges ever closer.
Alan Archibald shuffled his pack by making five changes to the side that started against Ross County this past Saturday. Callum Booth, Ade Azeez, Daniel Devine and David Amoo all came into the starting 11 as well as Andrew McCarthy. The 18-year old academy product was introduced to the Firhill faithful when he came on as a substitute against Formartine in the William Hill Scottish Cup but made his first competitive Jags start at Celtic Park. Chris Erskine, Mustapha Dumbuya, Steven Lawless and 100-goal hero, Kris Doolan, all sat on the bench while club captain, Abdul Osman, missed out completely due to injury.
Celtic were the team to kick things off and it was the Hoops who controlled the opening stages. Brendan Rodgers’ men had plenty of time on the ball in the opening stages but were finding it difficult to break down what is fast becoming a notoriously resolute Thistle backline.
Celtic’s first real chance of the match came in the 21st minute. Emilio Izaguirre whipped in a free kick from the Hoops’ right flank looking for Nir Bitton at the back stick. He found his Israeli teammate but the midfielder couldn’t find the target with a header.
That opportunity seemed to spark Celtic’s creativity as they had another shot on goal in the 29th minute. Eboue Kouassi skipped past Adam Barton before unleashing an effort from 25 yards, however, the ex-Krasnodar man’s shot flew 10 yards over Tomas Cerny’s goal.
It would be the visitors with the next chance of the match, 33 minutes in. David Amoo played the ball to Callum Booth on the left wing and the full-back whipped a cross low across the box looking for Ade Azeez. The ball was sent flying into the stands and it seemed that the covering defender had made a terrific last-ditch block to deny the striker a clear shot on goal from six yards out but the referee awarded Celtic a goal kick much to the Jags players dismay.
Patrick Roberts was next to have a go at scoring the opener as he was fed the ball on the edge of the Thistle area. He shuffled onto his left side before attempting to curl home into the far corner. Unfortunately for the former Fulham wide-man, his shot was claimed safely by Tomas Cerny.
With the interval less than a minute away, Tomas Cerny was forced into another save. Nir Bitton found himself in space, 30 yards from goal, and opted to have a pop. The Celtic man’s shot was dipping and swerving and Cerny had to focus on getting something behind it and that he did, parrying the shot away from danger in what was the last act of the first 45 minutes.
Going into half time, the score was goalless. Celtic had been, by far, the better side in the opening period but were unable to capitalise on their dominance and the strong Jags defence had held up well. Tomas Cerny had to make a couple of saves but both were saves that you would expect the Czech stopper to make. Young Andrew McCarthy had done a sloid job in midfield on his Ladbrokes Premiership debut, tackling the ball and making sure he wasn’t wasteful in possession. With options such as Steven Lawless, Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine on the bench, there was certainly a lot to play for in the second half.
After holding out well for the entire first half, the Thistle backline was broken down just five minutes into the second period. Patrick Roberts played a smart pass through to Scott Sinclair who found himself in behind the Jags defence, inside the Thistle box. The attacker then lifted a shot over and past the outrushing Tomas Cerny and into the far corner, putting the Ladbrokes Premiership champions into the lead.
In the 55th minute, Alan Archibald made his first change of the match as Thistle’s resident centurion, Kris Doolan, replaced David Amoo.
One minute short of the hour mark, the Celts had a good chance to double their lead. Eboue Kouassi fed the ball into Callum McGregor who was stood on the edge of the away side’s 18-yard box. The young Scot then jinked onto his left before shooting towards goal but his attempt was blazed far over the bar.
Celtic would be made to rue their missed opportunities as Thistle equalised in the 64th minute. Christie Elliott found space on the right wing before curling a low cross towards the front post looking for Ade Azeez. The ball found the striker and Azeez was able to redirect it into the far corner past Craig Gordon. The strike brought the Maryhill men level and was the Jags’ first Celtic Park goal since November 2003.
As the travelling Thistle contingent were sent into ecstasy, they were brought crashing back down to earth two minutes later when their side conceded a penalty. Christian Gamboa was played the ball in the area and as he played a ball across the box he was taken down by Callum Booth. The referee immediately pointed to the spot as the left back chopped down his Costa Rican opponent.
Scorer of Celtic’s first goal, Scott Sinclair, stepped up to take the spot kick. The forward tried to pick out the top left corner but Tomas Cerny made a heroic dive to his right to turn the ball away from goal with two strong, outstretched hands to keep things level.
With 18 minutes left to play, Andrew McCarthy’s night came to an end. The midfielder was taken off having put in a great shift, especially considering that he had played 60 minutes for the development side on Monday night. The 18-year old was replaced by Chris Erskine.
There was one last big chance for the game to be won and it fell to the visitors. Chris Erskine managed to get away from Erik Sviatchenko and slotted Ade Azeez through. The pacey striker then moved into the box and got a shot away but a recovering Celtic defender made a sliding block to deny the 23-year old another goal.
Celtic threw everything they had at the Jags late on but they were unable to create any meaningful opportunities and the game ended at 1-1. After the hosts took the lead through Sinclair, Ade Azeez brought the away side level before Tomas Cerny’s spot kick heroics kept the score that way.
Thistle remain four points clear of the bottom six with two games now to play and if Kilmarnock fail to win at Celtic on Saturday then the Jags’ top six status will be confirmed. If Killie do win at Parkhead this weekend then a win against Motherwell at Firhill for Thistle would also confirm a top half finish for the Firhill side.
The aforementioned Motherwell clash takes place at Firhill and kick off at 15:00.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, Elliott, Keown, Lindsay, Devine (C), Booth, Barton, McCarthy (Erskine, 73’), Edwards, Azeez, Amoo (Doolan55’).
THISTLE SUBS (N/U): Ridgers, Dumbuya, Lawless, McLaughlin, Nisbet.
CELTIC TEAM: Gordon, Lustig, Siminuvic, Sviatchenko, Gamboa, Koassi (Rogic, 62’), Bitton, McGregor (Aitchison, 77’), Izaguirre (Armstrong, 62’), Sinclair, Roberts.
CELTIC SUB (N/U): Bailly, Toure, Henderson, Tierney.
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 a confidence boosting victory over Ross County on Saturday, Alan Archibald took his Thistle side to Parkhead looking to continue their good form and, against the odds, they would do just that. They managed to secure a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park, becoming just the third team to take points from the reigning champions of Scotland this season. The draw represented the first time the Jags were able to avoid defeat against the Hoops since May 1995. Alan Archibald spoke with ptfc.co.uk after the match to give his thoughts on the evening’s proceedings.
The manager was pleased with the way his side improved on a solid first half performance in the second period.
“A point felt a long way away in the first half, it was probably our worst 45 minutes here, in terms of ball retention. It was much better in the second half, I was pleased that we kept the ball more effectively and we were able to give the midfield and backline a bit of respite because we couldn’t afford to continue in the way we played during that first half.”
As his side edge ever closer to confirming their top six status, the gaffer realises that tonight’s point could be important, however, there is still work to be done.
“We’re not there yet but it’s in our own hands. We’ve got a tough game at home against Motherwell but things are going well, everyone has come through the game fit and healthy so we’ll have a good squad to pick from come Saturday.”
Archie wanted to praise Ade Azeez who scored Thistle’s all-important equaliser. The striker is a very hard worker in training and hasn’t been getting the goals to show for it recently but grabbed the equaliser to ensure Thistle left the East End with a point.
“He works ever so hard and I’m glad he’s gotten his reward on such a big stage tonight because he’s been outstanding in terms of the way he has played and got us up the pitch in recent weeks. He’s had a number of great opportunities but he’s not quite found that finishing touch. Thankfully, he got one tonight and he could have had two if truth be told. It was a good block by the defender to deny him a second. He was called into action tonight because Kris Doolan had a bit of a thigh strain and I thought he more than played his part.”
Alan Archibald did admit that he was feeling disappointed and was fearing the worst when his side gave away a penalty two minutes after equalising.
“I was feeling awful. It was only about one and a half or two minutes after Ade’s goal but I’m delighted for Tomas Cerny who made a great save from the penalty. A couple of weeks back he made a big mistake that cost us two points but Tomas has saved us points on several occasions and I’m glad he could put that to bed tonight as it’s probably been playing on his mind a little bit.”
Thistle return to action this Saturday when they face Motherwell in the Ladbrokes Premiership on a day when the Jags’ top half finish could be secured. Kick-off is 15:00 at Firhill.
A full game replay and extended highlights will be added shortly, both 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 5 April, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Great point for Thistle after an excellent second half performance.
Celtic took the lead through Sinclair early in the second half but Thistle were level when Ade Azeez converted a Christie Elliott cross from the right.
Celtic were handed an immediate chance to go back in front when they were awarded a penalty following a foul by Booth but Cerny dived to is right to save Sinclair's spot kick.
From then on Thistle gave as good as they got. Azeez had a chance of a second goal but delayed his shot a fraction too long.
The home side had plenty of pressure but Thistle defence held their shape magnificently.
Celtic free kick at the right hand corner of the Thistle box. Last chance of the night you would think.
Excellent defending by Barton but there is no out ball for him and play again moves toward the Thistle goal.
Minimum of 3 additional minutes to be played.
Booth floats the free kick to the back post but Gordon makes a good catch.
Azeez is fouled on the right touchline and Thistle have a chance to get the ball into the Celtic box from a wide area.
A long ball bounces through to Cerny.
Celtic make a complete mess of the corner.
An Edwards' shot thumps off a Celtic defender.
A pass down the left flank just catches Erskine in an offside position.
Erskine is quickly involved in the game and he twists away from a Celtic player and picks out Azeez to his right. Azeez gets intio the box but is quickly closed down and his shot is blocked.
Baron nods a cross back across goal but Devine isn't able to provide the finish.
Azeez shoots from outside the box but his effort strikes the foot of a defender and breaks clear.
Cerny goes to his right and saves Sinclair's penalty.
Booth is adjudged to have fouled Gamboa and Celtic are handed an immediate chance to go back in front.
Elliott plays a great ball in from the right and there is Azeez to slide the ball wide of Gordon into the net. A great ball in and an excellent finish.
McGregor leans back when in a good position and as a result he lifts a shot over Cerny's bar.
Cerny is tested by a powerful shot from the right corner of the Thistle box but he, just, clings onto the ball.
Cerny is off his line quickly to grab the ball as Celtic threaten again.
Elliott plays the ball down the right for Amoo but he is caught in an offside position.
Thistle, who had started the second half well, fall behind. Sinclair finds space inside the box and fires across Cerny and into the corner of the net.
A long ball forward from Lindsay nearly finds Azeez but a Celtic defender is able to intercept and clear the danger.
Booth gets the free kick over the Celtic wall but it is too straight for it to trouble Gordon who makes an easy save.
A high foot gives Thistle a free kick about 2o-25 yards out in a central position.
Thistle free kick near the left corner of the Celtic box.
It's goalless at the end of a low key first half.
Celtic have the vast majority of the possession but Thistle have defended well with Cerny only really called into action on two occasions. Firstly making a comfortable save low at his right hand post from McGregor before being more seriously tested by a swerving Bitton effort.
Thistle's best, indeed only, effort saw Azeez stretch to reach a Booth cross but was unable to force Gordon into a save.
Cerny is initially wrong footed by a swerving Bitton shot but recovers well to push the ball away.
Devine makes a well timed challenge to halt Sinclair's advance into the box before Lindsay blocks a McGregor shot.
McGregor tries to a curl a shot from 20 yards out into the top corner but it goes comfortably over the bar.
Cerny is asked to make his first save of the night from a McGregor shot. It's a fairly comfortable save though near his right hand post.
Lindsay makes an important challenge deep inside the Thistle box.
Booth clears the corner.
McCarthy fouls Roberts and Celtic have a free kick in from the right touchline.
A chance for Thistle as Booth crosses from the left. Azeez is on the end of the cross but at a stretch can't get the ball on target. Better from Thistle the last few minutes.
Elliott has some space to advance down the right nut his cross strikes a defender.
Kouassi comes forward and sends a shot from 25 yards out well over the Thistle crossbar.
McGregor steps away from Barton's challenge and threads a ball into the box that Edwards clears.
Edwards hits a cross field pass trying to find Azeez but a defender is there to nod the ball back to Gordon.
Izzaguirre aims a free kick towards the back post where Bitton heads over without really threatening the Thistle goal. Thistle really do need to get hold of the ball and keep it for a spell.
Celtic win two corners in quick succession but they don't threaten the Thistle goal. While Thistle have kept a decent shape so far they've seen very little of the ball and virtually none inside the Celtic half.
Thistle are under a bit of pressure but Devine is able to head clear for the corner of the 6 yard box.
Keown heads the corner clear.
Celtic have seen a lot of the ball early on and McGregor finds a bit of space but Lindsay is on hand to clear his forward pass.
The right set of results this evening would see Thistle secure a top six berth but for that to happen Thistle would need to inflict upon Celtic their first domestic defeat of the season. The task, therefore, that faces The Jags tonight is not insignificant one but one that the squad are approaching with relish and not fear.
Alan Archibald has made no fewer than five changes to the side that started against Ross County on Saturday.
The big news is that Andrew McCarthy makes his first start for the first team. His only other previous first team appearance coming as a substitute in the Scottish Cup against Formartine.
Also starting tonight are Callum Booth, David Amoo, Danny Devine and Ade Azeez.
Mustpha Dumbuya, Kris Doolan, Chris Erskine and Stevie Lawless all occupy slots on the bench while injury rules out Abdul Osman.