cinch Championship
Sat 11 September, 2021. Kick Off: - 15:00
Caledonian Stadium
Match information
Ticketing information:
Tickets for our trip to Inverness are now on advance sale for Thistle supporters.
Tickets, which are for the South Stand are priced as below:
Adults – £20
Concessions(senior citizen & student) – £15
Under 18s – £6*
*Junior(under 18s) tickets are not available online but staff within the Inverness ticket office will be happy to assist. Phone 01463 222880 during office hours to purchase.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
No tickets will be available for purchase from Firhill, with all ticket sales handled by Inverness CT.
Live Stream
Inverness will be providing a livestream of this Saturday’s trip to the Caledonian Stadium.
The livestream costs £15 to watch and can be purchased here: www.ictfc.tv
If you wish to purchase the livestream, you must first register with ICTV.
Audio Commentary
Our JagZone audio commentary service returns on Saturday with audio coverage of our cinch Championship match in Inverness.
Join Michael Max and Christopher Dobie on Saturday afternoon as they bring you comprehensive 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.
Supporters’ Buses
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 09:15
Station Bar – 09:30
For seats call Duncan 07979496154 or e-mail
John Lambie Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 10:00
Thornwood Bar – 10:05
Prices:
Adults – £24
Concessions – £14
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 – 09:00
Esquire House, Anniesland – 09:20
Maryhill Community Central Halls – 09:35
Fares:
Full fare – £25
Concessions – £15
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.
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.
Following victory over Stranraer in the SPFL Trust Trophy, Partick Thistle return to cinch Championship action against Inverness this Saturday. The Caley Jags are the early pacesetters in the division having won all four of their games so far this season while the Maryhill men sit in second place, three points off the top. Not only have Inverness won all of their league games up to this point, they’ve done so without conceding a single goal meaning Thistle’s free-scoring attack will be put to the test at the Caledonian Stadium. Jags manager Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the trip to the Highlands:
“It’s an intriguing game certainly. We go up there in good form but they’ve obviously had a great start to the season as well. We were excellent against Morton in our last league game and we want to make sure we carry all the positives from that match into this one because we were very good at both ends on that day.”
Thistle are the top scorers in the cinch Championship at this point in the campaign and the gaffer says he’s pleased with the variety of goal threats within his side.
“We’ve got goals coming from lots of different areas at the moment. Kevin Holt popping up with three over the last four games or whatever it is being an example of that but we’ve had Zak and Brian scoring, Docherty’s got one, Tiffoney’s got one and that’s great for us. The thing is, I think we could have been more clinical in a few games so far this season and scored even more but 10 goals in four games is still pretty impressive.”
The Jags’ backline is also showing a lot of promise with three clean sheets in the last four games and that rear-guard has been further strengthened by the addition of Stephen Hendrie on a deal until January.
“He’s been in with the group for a few weeks now so we’ve had a good look at him. He was playing in the English League Two last season under Derek Adams who I have spoken to about him and he was playing plenty of games in a winning side that ended up getting promoted so he’s certainly got the ability to play at this level.
“That being said, he doesn’t walk into the team at all. Richard Foster has been playing there for us and we feel he’s been excellent so Stephen will have to continue with the hard work he’s put in since he arrived to earn a spot in the team.
“On top of his playing ability, he’s fit into the group really well. Similarly to Tunji before he signed, we’ve been able to see him as part of the dressing room in training for a couple of weeks and he is absolutely the right type of boy which is something that’s very important to me.”
McCall finished by giving us an update on squad news ahead of the trip to the Caledonian Stadium.
“The only players who are missing for us are Darren Brownlie of course and Steven Bell who has done some light running so should hopefully be back soon. The guys who were away with the under 21s all came back in yesterday and will be available for selection.”
Exclusive video interviews with Kyle Turner 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 Inverness, starting at 2:30pm – click here to tune in.
The home side are offering a pay-per-view option, priced at £15, for any supporter who wishes to watch the match – click here for more info.
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.
Partick Thistle travelled up the A9 to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle this afternoon knowing a win would bring them level on points with the Highlanders.
Ian McCall made two changes to the side that started Thistle’s previous league match against Morton. Lewis Mayo returned to the starting line-up in central defence with Tunji Akinola moving to right-back as a consequence while Shea Gordon dropped to the bench. Up front Cammy Smith came into the team for his first league start as a Jag, replacing Zak Rudden.
Following a low key start to the match, the game sparked into life after 18 minutes when Scott Tiffoney fired the away side into the lead. Stuart Bannigan fed the ball out to the Thistle number seven allowing him to drift infield from the left flank. Tiffoney spotted a gap at the near post and drilled a low shot beyond the reach of Caley ‘keeper Mark Ridgers to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
There was almost an immediate reaction from the hosts as Manny Duku went close 20 minutes in. The former Raith Rovers striker nodded a Robbie Deas cross towards the far post and his looping effort seemed net-bound, however, a fingertip save from Jamie Sneddon turned the ball onto the crossbar before he then gathered the rebound.
The Maryhill men sought to increase their lead as the first half ticked on and Brian Graham wasn’t far away in the 24th minute. Richard Foster used a quick one-two with Cammy Smith to move to within 25 yards of the goal and once there, he picked out Graham with a short pass. The Thistle top scorer shifted onto his right foot before attempting to bend a shot into the far corner from just inside the box. His shot was powerful but flashed just past Ridgers’ left-hand post.
Graham was even closer to doubling the advantage seven minutes before the break. Kyle Turner drove forward with the ball, moving the Jags to the Inverness penalty area before laying the ball off to Cammy Smith. The number 11 fed a pass to Brian Graham who found himself in considerable space 12 yards from goal. He dribbled to his left to get closer to goal but when he did eventually take his shot, Mark Ridgers got down superbly to save and hold.
The visitors were made to rue that missed opportunity just six minutes after the second half restart as Billy Dodds’ side drew level. Caley kept hold of possession in the attacking half briefly before working it over to Kirk Broadfoot who was marching out of defence. The experienced centre-half continued his charge under no pressure before hitting a shot across goal, into the bottom corner of the Thistle goal.
The turnaround was complete with 68 minutes on the clock as Shane Sutherland put Inverness ahead. Former Jag Danny Devine had the ball behind the half-way line and, with no options forthcoming, decided to lift a ball over the top of the Thistle defence. Jamie Sneddon rushed out to deal with the pass but overran the ball didn’t get anything to it. This left former Elgin striker Sutherland with a simple finish into the gaping net.
The Jags’ second half struggles were compounded when Aaron Doran added a third for the hosts with 18 minutes left to play. David Cason advanced down the right flank before delivering a low ball into the danger area. Manny Duku was in place to take a shot but he dummied the ball for Aaron Doran who picked out the top corner with a first time strike.
That’s how the game ended with Thistle falling to fourth spot in the league while Inverness maintained their early lead at the top of the Championship and their 100% record.
Next up for the Jags is a clash with Kilmarnock who moved up to second place at the weekend. It’s a 3pm kick-off next Saturday, 18th September at Firhill.
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
Partick Thistle suffered their second defeat of the cinch Championship season this afternoon as they lost 3-1 to Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium. The Jags made an ideal start to proceedings as Scott Tiffoney fired the Maryhill men into the lead after 18 minutes, however, a stellar second half display from the hosts saw them take all three points from the top of the table clash. Kirk Broadfoot levelled things a couple of minutes into the second half before Shan Sutherland put Billy Dodds’ side ahead. Aaron Doran rounded off the scoring with a terrific right-footed finish as Inverness continued their 100% start to the league season. Thistle boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the final whistle:
“We were pleased to get in front but we then had a couple of decent chances to go further ahead and we really should have taken at least one of them. However, we’re still in a good position at half-time but we come out for the second half and make a couple of mistakes that change the complexion of the game.
“Credit to Inverness of course because they played very well in that second half but we’ve not helped ourselves either with the mistakes we made. They took their chances and ran out comfortable and deserved winners in the end.”
Having gone ahead in the first half, McCall felt the game shifted into the home side’s favour early in the second half.
“It was a really even first half and in open play there wasn’t much in it. As I’ve said, I felt we should have been two up based on the chances we created but we didn’t get that to make it more comfortable for ourselves.
“Coming out after half-time, they had plenty of energy and obviously got a boost from scoring so quickly but from our perspective we concede two very avoidable goals and that just seemed to sap the energy out of us. That’s happened a couple of times this season now so it’s something we have to work hard to avoid going forward.”
With ambitions of making the top four this season, the gaffer says the team need to avoid being overrun as they were in the second half this afternoon.
“We need to be more difficult to play against once we go into the lead. As much as we’d like to score three goals every game, there are going to be tight games when there’s only one in it and we need to make sure we can hang onto those leads because it was too easy for them to get that equaliser right after half-time.
“If we score a second then who knows? Maybe it’s a different game but we didn’t get that. This is a set back for us but we need to regroup because there’s another big game coming up next week against Killie.”
Further reaction from Thistle manager Ian McCall 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 11 September, 2021
cinch Championship 
Caledonian Stadium
Thistle are unable to build upon a first half lead that they fought hard to establish and slide to a disappointing 3-1 defeat with defensive errors contributing greatly to the defeat.
Tiffoney picks up a knock and rolls to the side of the pitch to receive treatment.
Into injury time.
Doran nearly inflicts more misery on Thistle but his shot after collecting a McAlear pass drifts wide.
Tiffoney tries to make something when he collects a misdirected pass. He advances into the Inverness box but can't pick out a Thistle player with his cross.
Tiffoney chips a ball into the box looking for the head of MacIver but the ball drifts out for a goal kick. Thistle are looking for a miracle at this point.
Sutherland turns and shoots at the edge of the box but it doesn't cause Sneddon any problems.
Tiffoney takes the free kick but it is far, far too close to Ridgers.
Thistle have a free kick near the left corner of the Inverness box.
A tussle between Carson and Graham ends up with the Inverness player on the ground. When Carson does get up after some treatment he has a furious reaction towards Graham.
Inverness remain firmly on the front foot at the moment. Thistle need something positive to happen very soon.
If the first two Inverness goals were soft then there is no denying the quality of their third as Doran smashes a shot high into the net from the edge of the box.
It's an absolute gift as Sneddon misses his kick presenting Sutherland with an open goal, albeit at a bit of an angle.
Thistle look set to send on Zak Rudden.
Turner's corner is headed towards goal by Holt before being cleared for a Thistle throw.
Devine comes through the back of Tiffoney earning Thistle a free kick near the halfway line and a chance to regroup a little.
Walsh takes the free kick it's well defended with Turner completing the clearance. It's a worrying spell all the same for Thistle who have been second best since the Inverness equaliser.
Bannigan's foul on Carson gives Inverness a free kick wide on the right.
Duku does really well to get over a cross from the left but Sutherland can't keep his header down and Sneddon can watch the ball go over the bar.
It's a poor goal for Thistle to lose. Broadfoot is allowed to advance to the edge of the box and his low shot beats Sneddon and finds the bottom corner of the net.
Tiffoney tries to curl a shot towards goal but the ball is blocked by a defender.
Ridgers elects to punch clear a Smith cross after some great skill down the left from Tiffoney.
Thistle take a narrow lead into the dressing room at half-time thanks to Scott Tiffoney's goal after 16 minutes.
It could have been even better had Ridges not produced an excellent save to deny Brian Graham.
Overall though it has been an even game. Inverness have had more periods of sustained pressure than Thistle but with the exception of one Duku effort that struck the frame of the Thistle goal, Inverness have created few clear cut openings.
Thistle meantime look a real threat when they come forward.
Smith steals away from his marker and heads Turner's free kick wide.
Deas foul on Turner earns him a yellow card and Thistle have a free kick wide on the right.
Nearly a chance for Broadfoot but Turner steps in to clear.
Into first half injury time.
Bannigan receives a lecture from referee Anderson but no booking on this occasion.
Graham has a shooting chance about 25 yards out be he sends the bouncing ball high over the crossbar.
Thistle miss a marvellous chance to double their lead. The ball is worked beautifully to the feet of Graham 12 yards out. He takes a touch to steady himself but is denied by a smart save from Ridgers who also manages to hold the shot.
After a good run from Smith, Tiffoney is able to cross from the left but at the back post Graham, at a stretch, is unable to direct his header goalward.
Play is stopped as Docherty is down injured but there is no need, for now, for any treatment from the physio.
The home side are having their best spell in the game so far and Walsh shoots from the edge of the box but it is straight at Sneddon who saves.
The corner is again well defended with Graham getting his head to the ball to clear.
Walsh's corner is well marshalled by the Thistle defence and the ball eventually goes out for a Thistle throw on the other side.
Thistle are looking in the mood at the moment and Foster lays the ball to Graham at the edge of the box and Graham's shot doesn't look to go too far wide of Ridgers' left hand post.
Turner takes the free kick and there is another chance for Thistle with Akinola's low shot saved by Ridgers.
Smith is fouled by Devine who is a shade lucky to escape a yellow card.
The Thistle lead is almost a short lived one. A Deas throw is flicked on and Duku's header hits the crossbar, perhaps after a touch from Sneddon, before the Thistle keeper collects the loose ball.
Tiffoney collects the ball near the left hand corner of the Inverness box. He shifts the all away from Broadfoot in front of him and his low shot beats Ridgers who may feel that he should have done better even though Tiffoney's shot was well enough struck.
Under pressure from Mayo, Duku looks for a free kick wide on the Inverness left but the referee is unimpressed and Thistle win a goal kick.
It's the home side that have perhaps had the better of the very early exchanges but there hasn't been a hint of a chance at either end so far.
Turner's free kick is far too close to Ridgers who comfortably claims the ball.
Thistle win a free kick wide on the left hand side. First chance for Turner to get the ball in the box.
Sutherland's run into the Thistle box is halted by Akinola's well timed challenge.
It's Akinola at right back for Thistle with Mayo slotting in at centre back alongside Holt with Foster at left back.
Smith and Turner link up well but Turner's cross from the right is far too deep for Graham.
Thistle get the game underway and will be defending in the first half the goal that the Thistle fans are behind.
Even after just four league games apiece played there is a sense that today's meeting between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Partick Thistle is an important one.
The current cinch Championship league table shows the Highland Jags at the top of the table with a perfect 12 points, and no goals conceded, from their four games played with Thistle in second just three points behind.
Ian McCall has made three changes from the side that progressed in the SPFL Trust Cup at Stranraer 7 days ago.
Lewis Mayo missed that game away on under 21 duty with Scotland and he returns to the starting eleven this afternoon. As do Kyle Turner and Brian Graham, both of whom sat on the bench for the majority of the afternoon last weekend.
Shea Gordon, Connor Murray and Ross MacIver are the three that make way for them.