SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 29 April, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
Tynecastle Stadium
Supporters’ Buses:
Tickets on sale: Thistle’s allocation for this game is SOLD OUT. If you don’t have a ticket – don’t travel to Tynecastle
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 11:20
Station Bar – 11:30
Non members welcome.
Please call 07979496154 or email to book.
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 13:00
Thornwood Bar – 13:05
Prices:
Members:
£8 for adults
£4 for concessions
Non-Members:
£14 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 – 12:30
Esquire House – 12:45
Maryhill Community Halls – 13:00
Prices:
£16 for adults
£10 for concessions.
A concession qualifies as school aged children, unwaged adults, senior citizens & matriculated students
With his side’s place in the top six already secured and the first post-split game, against Hearts, kicking off on Saturday Jags boss Alan Archibald was keen to make it clear that there was still plenty to play for.
Archie told ptfc.co.uk: “We need to win on Saturday if we have a realistic chance of starting to reel in the teams above us. It’s a real six pointer for us as we can cut the gap down to a point with a win. Winning on Saturday is the first aim because if we don’t then there could be a gap start to open up.
“I think it’s different this year because in previous seasons there has been a gap between sixth and fifth but for us we have a real incentive to try and cut that gap. If we win on Saturday it puts us right on their coat tails and gives us something bigger to play for. Yes it was a great achievement making it into the top six but we want to kick on and certainly don’t want to end the season on a downer.
“They’ve lost a couple of key players to injury and there has been a big turnover in terms of personnel so I think they just need that time to settle. Everyone loves going to Tynecastle because it’s a great place to go an play football but if you’re up against it the atmosphere can be tough. That’s why we’ll be looking to go there and turn the fans early to get the atmosphere working in our favour.”
Thistle beat Hearts 2-0 the last time the two sides met and Archibald is looking for more of the same this time out.
“I thought we were good the last time we played them, we stopped their good players playing and really fought for the result. I thought we deserved it on the day though and we’ll need to do more of the same this weekend.”
The club announced on Tuesday that Christie Elliott had signed a new two year deal – a piece of business the manager was clearly very pleased with.
“We’ve got Christie signed up and that’s the joy of finishing in the top six – we can start looking ahead and planning for next season. It was great to get Christie signed up as he’s been superb for us sine Christmas. He had injury problems at the start of the season but he’s been a great asset for us and his versatility is a blessing for me as a manager. He’s played left back and right back as well as wing back on both sides and that is so valuable.
“We’re in a good position just now in terms of players and we’ll probably only be looking to add two or three. The board were very good to us a couple of years ago and backed us by allowing us to sign players on longer deals so it gives us a real good bit of stability for the coming seasons.”
After a week to remember for Jags fans the team signed off for the spare weekend with a disappointing display against Rangers but the gaffer was clear that he was not expecting a repeat performance.
“The performance against Rangers last time out was really poor and we want to make sure we put that to bed on Saturday. It’s never nice going into a spare weekend after a defeat but it gives us extra motivation to go out and perform on Saturday. it wasn’t good enough at Ibrox and we’ll be looking for a big improvement when we travel to Edinburgh.
“We were suffering from a few knocks and injuries last time out but the break has come at a great time from that respect. Doolan and Erskine were both struggling but have now recovered and Abdul Osman also has a chance for Saturday. The only ones who are definitely ruled out are the longer term injuries – Sean Welsh, Gary Fraser, Ryan Scully and Stuart Bannigan.”
An 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.
Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match.
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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 the securing of a top six spot on Saturday against Motherwell, Partick Thistle travelled to Ibrox to try to close the gap between the Jags and Hearts, who sit in fifth place. The Maryhill men were on an eight game unbeaten run in the league but had failed to take any points from Rangers in two attempts so far this season, losing 2-1 and 2-0 earlier in the campaign. The hosts are still chasing Aberdeen in second place, so both teams still had plenty to play for.
Alan Archibald made two changes to the side who started against Motherwell last time out. Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine dropped to the bench after a week of injury-hampered training. David Amoo and Ade Azeez replaced them in the starting line-up. Daniel Devine captained the side and interestingly, played in midfield alongside Adam Barton.
The game got off to a timid start as neither team could create anything resembling incisive play until the 17th minute when Kenny Miller was played in behind the Jags defence. The veteran striker got on the end of a lofted through ball and moved into the box but Miller took too long on the ball and saw a shot blocked and the ball cleared.
After the opening chance, opportunities began to present themselves more regularly. At 24 minutes in, Myles Beerman advanced from his left back position and found some space to shoot. Beerman’s shot took a slight deflection and skipped just wide of the post as Rangers upped their attacking threat. The resultant corner was eventually cleared but only as far as Jon Toral, who attempts a 40 yard half-volley but his shot flies off target.
Toral had another opportunity to shoot in the 29th minute. After receiving the ball, he cut past Ryan Edwards, onto his left foot, and shot at goal but the ball flew ten yards over the bar. Five minutes later, Myles Beerman had another shot on goal. The full back came forward and shot towards the far corner of Tomas Cerny’s goal. Before it got too far, Niall Keown got his head to it and turned the ball over the bar.
A minute after Beerman’s chance, Cerny was forced into a great save. A corner, taken from just in front of the away support, found Danny Wilson in the box. The Gers’ number six headed at goal but unfortunately for the centre-half, Cerny was equal to it.
With six minutes to go until half time it looked as if the game would be going into the interval without a goal but Kenny Miller changed that in the 39th minute. James Tavernier ran down the Rangers right wing and swung a deep cross towards Miller. The marksman got his head to the delivery and directed the ball back across goal, beating Tomas Cerny and making it 1-0.
Although the first half had been a very one-sided affair, Thistle almost drew level before the break. Ade Azeez received the ball on the edge of the box and slotted Ryan Edwards into the box, behind the Gers’ backline. The Australian was at a very tight angle but tried the shot anyway. His attempt flashed across goas with Wes Foderingham turning the ball away.
That’s how things stayed as the game entered the half time break. Rangers had been utterly dominant for the most part with Thistle rarely showing their class. Myles Beerman offered a threat coming forward from defence while the guile of Kenny Miller was causing the Jags defensive unit all sorts of problems.
Early in the second half, Thistle made their first change as David Amoo was replaced by Chris Erskine with Alan Archibald looking to add some more creativity to his team.
Unfortunately for the visitors, the substitution wouldn’t stop Rangers from doubling their lead. After a contentious throw-in decision, Emerson Hyndman used some quick feet and smart turns to manoeuvre through the challenges of men in red and yellow. He then laid it to Jon Toral who turned it home from close range, doubling the hosts’ lead. Immediately following the goal, Kris Doolan was brought on for Ade Azeez.
In the 62nd minute, the home side had an excellent chance to make it three. Martyn Waghorn was played through on goal with an opportunity to take a free shot. He attempted to slot it low, past Tomas Cerny but the Czech ‘stopper got down brilliantly to block, keeping the score at 2-0.
Cerny was forced into another great save with 21 minutes remaining of the regulation 90. The ball was played to Kenny Miller on the edge of the Thistle area and he tried to curl a shot home at the near post. The attempt looked destined to find the net but Tomas Cerny got a strong hand to it and turned it behind. Four minutes later, Thistle made their final substitution with Kevin Nisbet replacing Steven Lawless.
The substitute Nisbet almost got the away side back into the game with 13 minutes to go. Following some quality build-up play, the ball was lifted in towards Kevin Nisbet. The young forward took a touch and shot but couldn’t find the target from a difficult angle.
As the game entered three minutes of added time, it was clear that Thistle wouldn’t be able to salvage anything but Rangers were still on the hunt for a third and in what was the final action of the game, they almost did. An Andy Halliday shot from the edge of the 18-yard box was saved by Cerny and the rebound fell to Joe Garner. The former Preston attacker then tried to beat the ‘keeper but Cerny made another great save just before the referee blew his whistle.
It was a disappointing end to a terrific run of form for the Jags but all is not lost. With top six secured, the Maryhill men still sit just four points behind Hearts with five games to play. They also have another game against Rangers at Firhill to try to end the winless run against the Gers once again.
Thistle are next in action against Hearts at Tynecastle in a fortnight. Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday the 29th of April.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, Dumbuya, Keown, Lindsay, Elliott, Devine, Barton, Edwards, Lawless (Nisbet, 73’), Amoo (Erskine, 49’), Azeez (Doolan, 56’).
THISTLE SUBS (N/U): Ridgers, McCarthy, Lamont, McLaughlin.
RABGERS TEAM: Foderingham, Tavernier, Bates, D. Wilson, Beerman, Holt, Toral (Halliday, 84’), Hyndman, Miller, McKay (Dodoo, HT), Waghorn (Garner, 75’).
RANGERS SUBS (N/U): Alnwick, Hodson, A. Wilson, Windass.
It was a proper end to end contest at Tynecastle on Saturday as Thistle visited the capital in search of three points to close the gap on Hearts. It was a competitive affair that saw both sides create a number of chances but it would ultimately end a draw.
Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the match and certainly felt that his side might have snatched all three points having twice gone in front and despite Daniel Devine being shown a second yellow card on 68 minutes.
“I thought we maybe did about enough to hold out for all three points there but with 10 men it was always going to be tough.”
Devine was given his second yellow for a handball inside the box, Hearts scored from the resulting penalty, despite vigorous protests from the Jags’ players, bench and support.
“The penalty didn’t come as a surprise to me but it’s the lack of consistency that is most frustrating. You’ll see another 10 of those over the course of next season and they might all be different decisions. If it hits his hand it should either be a penalty or not. As I say, you could see the same or a similar incident again in a couple of weeks and it isn’t a penalty. I just think there needs to be a bit of clarity – it needs to be a bit more black and white.”
Although Hearts dominated periods of the game, Thistle also had their own time on top and the game was as tight as the score line suggests.
“We were under a lot of pressure at times but I actually thought we had the clearer of the chances. Erskine’s one on one is a big one and I think that was at 1-0 so that could have made a big difference. We had a couple of chances to slide players through too which just didn’t quite come off. Our players have showed great character all season though so I wasn’t surprised to see that again today.”
With a few surprises on the Thistle teamline it was clear that injuries had affected the gaffer’s options.
“We had six injuries today – seven including our sub keeper, Ryan Scully, so we were up against it a bit. Young Andy McCarthy did brilliantly in the centre of the park and his energy was big for us today. Doolan ended up playing in the wide area too but that’s sometimes what you need to do when you’re struggling on the injury front.
“I was delighted for Andy. He only found out he was playing this morning as Liam pulled out with a dead leg this morning. We’d worked on a different shape in training yesterday so it was totally different today but we had to go and play so it’s a big credit to Andy as I thought his performance was very good.”
Tomas Cerny was again at the centre of things, particularly after the sending off, keeping the team in red and yellow in the match with a string of outstanding saves.
“Tomas was outstanding again today and pulled off a number of absolute first class saves. He’s been massive for us since he came back from injury at the start of the season and it’s brilliant to know that you have that quality behind your back four.”
A full game replay and extended highlights will be added shortly, both will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
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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.
Sat 29 April, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Tynecastle Stadium
After an uneventful first half there was no lack of incident in the second 45 minutes with distinct mixed emotions for Thistle.
Kris Doolan nodded home a Stevie Lawless cross to put Thistle in front but Hearts equalised in the 68th minute when Goncalves converted a penalty after Devine weas adjudged to have handled a Cowie shot. Devine collecting a second yellow card leaving Thistle with just 10 men.
The ten men though were back in front just 3 minutes later when Stevie Lawless converted a Chris Erskine pass.
It was a lead that Thistle, under major pressure, held until 3 minutes from full-time when Struna fired high into the net from close range.
Johnsen looks to have been given a gilt edged chance to win the game but the flag goes up for offside and he shoots wide in any case.
McCarthy clears at the edge of the six yard box.
Goncalves is left with just Cerny to beat but he shoots tamely at the Thistle keeper who makes the save.
Minimum of 4 additional minutes to be played.
The referee spots a push and Thistle have a free kick.
Hearts free kick down by the corner flag on the right.
Hearts are a whisker away from a third goal but Nicholson's effort goes wide with Hearts furiously demanding a corner.
The Hearts pressure pays off as Struna smashes the ball home from close range.
Barton clears but the pressure is still very much on.
Doolan heads the corner clear.
Booth curls the free kick in and Hamilton is forced to fist the ball clear.
Thistle free kick near the left corner of the Hearts box.
Walker's free kick is straight at Cerny but it's struck with real venom and Cerny does well to hold onto the ball.
Hearts free kick about 5 yards outside the Thistle box ever so slightly right of centre.
Keown gets on the end of Doolan's corner but Hamilton gets down to save.
Struna cuts inside on the left but his shot is always drifting wide of the far post.
Smith's shot trickles through to Cerny.
Goncalves scoops a shot well wide of goal. You do feel that this will be a long last 15 minutes.
No heroics at the penalty from Cerny but there was there as he claws away a Djoum header.
Time to draw breath as the ball goes out for a Thistle goal kick. Barton has dropped into the heart of the Jags defence since Devine's red card.
Thistle are back in front. Erskine slips the ball through to Lawless and he makes no mistake with a controlled finish.
No heroics from Cerny this time as Goncalves converts the penalty.
It's a second yellow card for Devine and that will leave Thistle with just 10 men for the rest of the game.
Devine is adjudged to have used a hand in blocking a shot from Cowie.
Cerny in action again producing another good stop this time to deny Walker.
Thistle close again with Doolan unable to get a touch to Devine's header from Booth's corner.
it should be a second for Thistle but Erskine can't get the ball past Hamilton.
The referee spots an infringement and Thistle have a free kick and a little respite.
Thistle under serious pressure here with Cerny saving from Djoum with Goncalves unable to force the loose ball home.
The ball drops to Walker right in front of goal but his control lets him down and Thistle get the ball clear.
The game is really open at the moment and Cerny is tested by a low Cowie effort but he is able to push the ball away.
Thistle break quickly with Doolan spreading the ball into the path of Erskine. Erskine though can't pick out Booth to his left and the move breaks down.
Lawless finds Erskine to his right. Erskine's shot is on target but it is too near Hamilton to truly trouble the Hearts keeper.
Thistle break and Doolan feeds a pass to Edwards to his right. Edwards' cross is half cleared with the ball not going out for the corner that looked likely.
Hearts threaten again as play open up in front of Cowie but there is no way past Cerny although Cowie will feel he should have done much better.
Thistle nearly concede an immediate equaliser and they really should have been punished for some poor defending. Goncalves is left unmarked and despite having time and space he sends his header wide when it looked easier to score.
Doolan is there at the back post to meet a Lawless cross and nod the ball home from close range to the delight of the 737 Thistle fans behind that goal.
Thistle are guilty again of giving the ball away. This time Barton doesn't collect a throw from Cerny. Walker's shot though is blocked by a defender.
Goncalves slices a shot wide of the Thistle goal as Hearts try and hit Thistle on the counter attack after Lawless is careless in giving the ball away in midfield.
It's goalless at the end of an opening half that saw, for the most part, both sides restricted to a few half chances.
Hearts though were twice close to opening the scoring as half-time approached with firstly Struna seeing his shot crash off the underside of the bar before Walker saw his effort from the edge of the box touched wide for a corner.
Minimum of one minute of additional time to be played.
McCarthy is back on with his nose stuffed with cotton wool.
Devine's deflection takes a Walker shot round the post for a corner.
McCarthy is off again receiving treatment to a bloody nose..
Keown is on hand to clear a cross from Cowie who had skipped past the attentions of Booth with ease.
Only the underside of the crossbar denies Hearts the opening goal. Walker does well to get away from Barton and Goncalves sees his shot blocked. The ball breaks into the path of Struna and his effort thumps off the underside of Cerny's bar.
Some excellent play from Lawless gives Thistle a hint of an opening. He gets the ball out wide to Booth on the left and when his cross is cleared Erskine slices a volley wide of goal.
The ball nearly falls for firstly Doolan and then McCarthy inside the Hearts box but the ball is eventually cleared.
Hamilton is happy to clutch hold of the ball after a driven Elliott cross is diverted towards goal by a Hearts defender.
Clever play from Erskine creates space for himself and from outside the box he sends a shot over the bar.
Booth elects not to go for goal with the free kick and instead floats the ball towards the back post where Devine knocks the ball across the 6 yard box and out of play.
Thistle attack through Lawless who skips past a couple of players before being crowded out. Erskine picks up the loose ball and plays it back to Lawless who is fouled about 30 yards from goal.
Devine does well to head a dangerous cross from the left away from goal.
Erskine takes the corner and Keown is able to get his head to the ball. he's under pressure, however, and there is no power in his header and Hamilton makes an easy.
The corner is a poor one but Hearts get the chance to deliver another cross into the box, from the other side this time, and this time Keown does well to get the ball away.
Barton heads Cowie's corner clear. There are half hearted appeals for a penalty when Djoum goes down when the ball is returned into the box.
Hearts sweep forward down the left but Goncalves is unable to control the ball when a cross comes in and Cerny is there to collect the ball.
A Walker shot is deflected taking the pace off the ball allowing Cerny to complete an easy save.
Keown does well to head clear a Cowie cross. the ball drops to Djoum a few yards outside the Thistle box but he sends his first time shot over the crossbar.
A Booth cross drifts out of play for a goal kick.
Doolan looks for a free kick at the edge of the Hearts box after receiving a pass from Mccarthy but he doesn't get one. First positive move from Thistle towards the Hearts goal though.
Buaben plays a lovely long pass to Goncalves but Devine reads it well and gets across to clear.
Thistle start the post split fixtures with a visit to Tynecastle and with the chance to close the gap on home side Hearts in 5th spot to just a solitary point.,
There are a number of changes from the side that lost to Rangers a fortnight ago.
Out of the side that started that game go Mustupha Dumbuya, Liam Lindsay, David Amoo and Ade Azeez.
In come Callum Booth, Kris Doolan, Chris Erskine and Andrew McCarthy.