SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 3 February, 2018. Kick Off: - 15:00
Fir Park, Motherwell
Supporters Information:
Admission Details:
Thistle supporters have been allocated the McEwan Fraser Legal (South Stand).
Cash turnstiles will in operation
Adults – £23
Concession(over 60, 16-18, students with a valid matriculation card) – £16
Junior(15 & under) – £12
Family(1 Adult and 1 Junior) – £29
Supporters who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07428 225254 or Email
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 12:20
Station Bar – 12:30
Non members welcome.
Please call 07979496154 or email to book.
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 1:45
Thornwood Bar – 1:50
Prices:
£12 for adults
£6 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 – 13:15
Esquire House – 13:35
Maryhill Community Halls – 13:45
Prices:
£11 for adults
£7 for concessions.
There was buoyant mood in the Jags camp this week as the squad reflected on an extremely strong performance and convincing victory over St Johnstone last Saturday.
With the transfer window having slammed shut on Wednesday night it was an unusually quiet deadline day for Alan Archibald with the Jags having got their main target sorted early in the form of on-loan Bournemouth centre back, Baily Cargill. The Thistle boss explained to ptfc.co.uk how he felt about the club’s business during the window.
“It’s been quiet which has been good. It was a bit strange on Wednesday not doing any business obviously but I’m glad we weren’t involved with anything. We knew exactly what we needed to do and that was to get a replacement in for Jordan Turnbull. That was the urgent piece of business we needed to do and sure enough we got there with plenty of time to spare when we got Baily in.
“I know I’ve said it before but the main thing for us was getting the injured players back. You’ve already seen the impact Abdul Osman and Callum Booth have had and we also have Mustapha Dumbuya and James Penrice in the fold too. Christie Elliott is getting closer as well so that really feels like five or six new signings and makes our overall January a very positive one in that respect.”
Anyone who saw Thistle’s bench in Perth will know that with players returning from injury Archibald now, in the best possible way, has a serious selection headache.
“Obviously the impact getting these players has in terms of the strength of our bench and the balance of the side on matchdays is huge but it’s more than that too. We now have competition in every position just about and it gives us great numbers for training too. We have been training with around 12 players for most of the season and suddenly we’re regularly up to 20. Even just in terms of being able to deliver high quality sessions it makes a massive difference.
“I said at the start of the season that this is probably one of the strongest squads we’ve had since we came up but it’s difficult to recognise that when they all get injured at the same time! As I said though, we’re getting back to a really healthy position now and hopefully that can only bode well for the rest of the season.”
With a series of games against teams close to Thistle in the league Archie knows just how valuable a win at Fir Park could be and is keen to keep his side’s mini-revival going.
“Our form won’t simply change and we won’t move up the table without a lot of hard work from everyone at the club. We did see that on Saturday though as we started extremely well and really put the game on St Johnstone. We got the victory and now we need to treat that as the catalyst to really push our season on after a disappointing start.
“This week will be different though, it’s the opposite to last Saturday where we were going to a ground that we have good form on. This weekend we’re travelling to Fir Park which is a ground that hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us at all in recent years. Motherwell are a good side and we’ll need to be at our best. I like the way they go about playing the game. They’re incredibly strong and it will be a tough, tough game.
“We’ve got a really important run of games coming up against teams that are around us in the table. The plan was always to stay in the pack until we got our players back and then see what we could do from there. As you can see by looking at the league table it is still incredibly tight and there’s a lot of teams involved. Our key aim now has to be to move as quickly as possible away from those bottom two places.”
Tuesday marked the fifth anniversary of Archibald taking charge of Thistle, albeit in a caretaker role to start with. Not one to readily reflect on the past, Archie was clear in his overall feelings on how his period in charge has been so far.
“It has been fantastic. I think I’d describe it as a bit of a roller coaster but it has been a brilliant experience. I’ve now spent half my life at this club in one way or another and it has been a really special place for me. I’ve got a great relationship with the board and the supporters and I appreciate everything that both have done to help us along the way.
“I’ve learnt a huge amount since I was first made manager and Scott and I continue to learn more all the time. We’ve been through good and bad but looking back over the years we’ve had some really special times in the last few years. What’s more, even when things aren’t going as well as we’d like there is always a real strategic approach to things and that can be seen throughout the club in the Thistle Weir Academy, the new training ground project and the way we have recruited players and staff. That kind of approach is invaluable and has gone a long way to seeing us achieve what we have done in the last five years.”
A topic that used to cause nothing but problems for Archibald now brings a broad smile to his face and the gaffer was only too pleased to give ptfc.co.uk a very positive summary of his squad in terms of availability.
“I’m delighted to say that we haven’t suffered any issues following last Saturday’s game so we should have pretty much the same full squad available which is brilliant because it means we should be able to field a really strong bench which, as you saw on Saturday, made such a difference to the game.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Steven Lawless, Martin Woods and Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald, are available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them.
Jagzone members will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game.
Can’t make it to Fir Park? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 2:30pm on Saturday.
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 © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Having won their first away league game of the season last Saturday at McDiarmid Park, Partick Thistle looked to make it two wins on the road in a row as they travelled to Fir Park to take on Stephen Robinson’s Motherwell. A result had the potential to take Thistle out of the bottom two spots for the first time since November but the Maryhill men would have to overcome a ‘Well side who had won both of their opening home games of 2018.
Alan Archibald made four changes to the starting XI that began the match against St. Johnstone last weekend. Unfortunately for the away side, three of those four alterations were forced. Conor Sammon missed the game due to a family bereavement meaning Kris Doolan came in to make his first start of the year. Steven Lawless and Callum Booth both picked up knocks during the week which meant Mustapha Dumbuya and Ryan Edwards started. Chris Erskine was replaced in the starting line-up by Adam Barton to facilitate a change in formation which saw Thistle change to a five-at-the-back set-up.
The match started quickly with Martin Woods, Nadir Ciftci and Mustapha Dumbuya all having early sights off goal, however, the first big chance of the match fell on 13 minutes. Miles Storey had the ball on the Jags’ right of the ‘Well box and he lifted a ball towards the back post. His delivery found Ryan Edwards’ late run but the Australian midfielder couldn’t get over the ball and he headed over from a few yards out.
The hosts came very close to an opener of their own when Thistle new boy, Baily Cargill made his first big misjudgement since signing from Bournemouth on loan. A low cross came into the away side’s area and looked to find a Motherwell foot but Cargill swung a leg at it. The centre-half mis-kicked the ball and it spun into the path of Curtis Main. The Motherwell striker then tried to tap home from close range but the shot was blocked and Thistle skipper, Abdul Osman was fouled in the scramble ending the pressure.
Motherwell then went close again in the 38th minute, forcing a save from Tomas Cerny. A high ball from the Motherwell left got the better of Niall Keown and it came to Main in the Jags’ box. The ex-Portsmouth forward attempted a lob with Cerny off his line but he didn’t get enough on it and Cerny was able to turn it well wide of the goal.
The match went into the break at 0-0 with both side having had chances to break the deadlock. Thistle had started the game in control but their hosts really grew into the game as the half progressed. Both sides would be looking to find that cutting edge in the second 45.
It was the hosts who began the second half on top and they could easily have taken the lead in the 51st minute. A great ball into the Thistle area caused the visitors all sorts of problems and the ball ricocheted goalward with Charles Dunne seeming to have made the meaningful contact. The ball seemed to be bouncing in but Tomas Cerny pulled out a terrific save to deny the Steelmen a deadlock breaking goal.
Motherwell would be made to rue their missed opportunities when the away side took the lead two minutes after Cerny’s excellent save. Martin Woods curled a tantalising ball into the Motherwell box finding Kris Doolan who had created five yards of space for himself in the area. The striker had plenty of time to think about his header but made no mistake as he nodded it home with clinical efficiency. The goal was Doolan’s 99th in the league for Thistle and his first of 2018.
The home side then pushed and pushed for a leveller as they chased from behind. Motherwell launched ball after ball into the Jags box and even found the net as Curtis Main saw a goal chalked off for offside but their persistence paid off when they found their equaliser as they found the net for the second time on 79 minutes. When a half-clearance fell to the edge of the Thistle box, Charles Dunne beat Ryan Edwards to the loose ball and knocked it into the feet of Nadir Ciftci. The ex-Dundee United man then shuffled away from his marker, Niall Keown, and fired low past Tomas Cerny at the near post, grabbing his first goal for the Steelmen.
With six minutes left to be played, Alan Archibald made his first and only change of the game as Blair Spittal replaced Kris Doolan and the number seven came close to winning the game late on. With a minute to go of regulation time, Blair found himself next to the by-line in the Motherwell box. With no support he opted to just smash a shot on goal and he nearly found the net. ‘Well goalkeeper, Trevor Carson got a strong hand to the powerful drive but it spun up off the gloves of the ‘keeper and seemed to be trickling into the net, though, the ball actually dribbled across the face of goal without crossing the line.
That’s how things would end too as the sides shared the spoils after a long, hard-fought game. Neither team would be satisfied with the point as each team had created enough to win the match without doing so. The point did, however, take Thistle into tenth place above Hamilton Accies who lost 3-0 to Aberdeen today.
Thistle now turn their attentions to a Tuesday night clash with city rivals, Rangers. The Jags have a few days to prepare for the midweek clash which takes place at 19:45 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, McGinn, Keown, Barton, Cargill, Dumbuya, Osman, Woods, Edwards, Doolan (Spittal, 86′), Storey.
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Scully, Devine, Penrice, Erskine, McCarthy.
MOTHERWELL TEAM: Carson, Cadden (Petravicius, 87′), Kipre, Aldred, Dunne, Hendrie (Tait, HT), Campbell, McHugh, Tanner (Frear, 55′), Main, Ciftci.
UNUSED SUBS (MTH): Griffiths, Grimshaw, Bigirimana, Rose.
Article Copyright © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Partick Thistle tried to continue their recent upturn in performances with a trip to Fir Park this afternoon. The Jags had the chance to move out of the bottom two spots for the first time since November and that was an opportunity that they took as they drew with Stephen Robinson’s Motherwell. Kris Doolan gave the Jags the lead after 53 minutes when he headed home a Martin Woods free-kick. Thistle then faced a period of defending and as it looked like the away side may cling on for a win, Nadir Ciftci slammed home a leveller with 11 minutes to play. Results elsewhere meant the point moved Thistle into tenth place but there was a feeling that they could have taken more from the ‘Well. The Jags’ manager, Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the game to reflect on the 90 minutes.
Archie began by telling us how disappointed he was to miss out on what could have been a crucial three points.
“We fought well today but I thought, given the circumstances, we should have won. Our shape was good and we were easily dealing with most of their balls into the box. The way we conceded was frustrating. If we just keep Ciftci facing away from goal then he can’t get his shot away. At the end of the day we put a lot of effort in and will probably see it as a good point in a couple of days.”
Archie was pleased with the way Thistle battled Motherwell; matching them for most of the game having been dominated by the Steelmen the last time the side’s met at Fir Park.
“I didn’t think there was much in the game and it was probably a horrible game to watch for the neutral but that’s what it’s like at the bottom of the table. The midfield was where all the action was happening and for spells it did become very scrappy which didn’t really help either side. Our guys did pretty well with what they got and gave it everything they had which is the first thing that we ask of them.”
Kris Doolan opened the game’s scoring as he bagged his 111th Thistle goal. It was also the forward’s 99th league goal in Jags colours and Alan was pleased with the number nine’s contribution.
“It was an excellent header from Kris but I think even he was surprised that he found so much space in the box. Sometimes having more time to think about the finish can make it more difficult but Kris is the player you want those chances to fall to and he guides it home brilliantly. Kris has been stop-start this season because of some injuries and the team’s overall form. He’s been training more regularly now and we hope he’s over those injury issues which would give us great options up front.”
The gaffer was also full of praise for Tomas Cerny. The Czech ‘keeper made a couple of crucial saves during the game and those saves were key to coming away with a point.
“He made a pair of really good stops but the one early in the second half was magnificent. The Motherwell boy seemed to head it off someone else and then it was bouncing in but Tomas makes a great one handed save. That’s what Tomas is there to do; he’s been a great player for us and he’ll have to be on top form if we’re going to climb this league.”
The Jags now look forward to a Tuesday night meeting with city rivals, Rangers. A result against the Gers could potentially allow Thistle to move further up the Ladbrokes Premiership table. Kick-off is 19:45 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Kris Doolan. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
Jagzone subscribers will be able to rewatch the full 90 minutes soon
Highlights will be added shortly and will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
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Article Copyright © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 3 February, 2018
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Fir Park, Motherwell
It might not have been the best of games but what a valuable point this could prove to be in the grand scheme of Thistle’s season. Probably the right result in the end and in truth there weren’t very many clear cut chances at all in the game. One of the best ones though, fell to Doolan who rarely misses when give such a guilt edge opportunity. A rare moment of laxness from the Jags defence allowed Ciftci to slot home the equaliser and that’s how it would stay.
Motherwell did have periods of pressure, particularly in the second half, but a battling performance made sure the points were split.
The Jags return to action at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill when they take on Rangers on Tuesday night – kick of 7:45. Don’t miss it, it could be a special evening.
A strong run into the box from Storey sees him cut it back but unfortunately the ball is cut out well by Dunne.
A wonderful bal from Frear goes right across the Jags box and is begging for someone to finish it. Nobody does though and it goes out for a goal kick. Cerny takes his time to get himself set...obviously.
A minimum of four minutes added time here at Fir Park. Is that time for a Jags winner? Could go either way just now.
Almost a goal from nothing in a bizarre incident. Spittal puts a cross into the box with no Jags players supporting him. Motherwell keeper, Carson gets a touch and the ball bobbles right across the six yard box and out millimetres from the far post.
The Jagzone man of the match, sponsored by Fierce Digital, is Martin Woods.
Far too casual from Barton and it was nearly worse as, for a moment, Motherwell were four on two at the edge of the box. Dumbuya nad Cargill combine well to clear for a corner which comes to nothing.
It's a poor corner in truth and Thistle snuff 0it out and clear.
Ryan Edwards fails to get to a loose ball outside the box only to see Motherwell nick it and play a great pass to Nasir Ciftci who slots home low to Cerny's right.
1-1
Good defending by Kipre to stop a Miles Storey counter attack.
And Motherwell have the ball in the net as Ciftci heads the ball across goal and it is headed in by Curtis Main. Luckily for Thistle though the assistant referee's flag was up quickly for offside.
Dumbuya fouls the Motherwell man on the right hand side of the pitch. A bit unlucky to go into the book there.
Woods wins another superb header in midfield. He really has been dominant in that area this afternoon. The combination with Osman gives Thistle such a strong platform on which to build going forward.
A period of good pressure as Motherwell push for an equaliser. Dunne gets the header away at the front post but can only direct it well over Cerny's bar.
With results elsewhere Thistle are currently sitting in 9th place in the Ladbrokes Premiership. Hopefully we haven't cursed it!
Motherwell fans really unhappy with a few decisions here. We think the ref is having a great game...
A really nasty looking challenge on Martin Woods earns McHugh a yellow card.
A total attendance of 4,677 which includes 711 Jags fans.
The game is starting to stretch and open up now. Curtis Main breaks but a combination of Dumbuya and Keown do brilliantly to deal with the attack.
Ball in is too close to Cerny who punches strongly clear.
A great cross into the Jags box takes out the whole Thistle defence and Kipre hooks it back across brilliantly. Thistle do get it clear but at the expense of a corner.
That yellow will see McGinn miss the Dundee game.
Apologies, in all the goal excitement we lost our WiFi connection! Back up and running now and you haven't missed much.
A Woods corner looks dangerous but the ref blows up for a foul on the keeper.
A wonderful ball in by Woods from the free kick and Doolan will not believe how much space he had to nod home from six yards.
1-0 Thistle!
Storey wins a free kick left side. Woods will drift it in from 40 yards out.
Great ball in causes all sorts of problems for the Jags defence. Claims from the Well support that the ball may have gone in but a combination of Cerny and Woods keeps it out.
Adam Barton does well to snuff out the danger of a fast Motherwell break but is forced to conced a corner.
Second half underway and it's one change to the home side. The Jags remain unchanged.
It's been end to end and frantic at times here at Fir Park but real chances have been at a premium.
Thistle could have taken the lead through Ryan Edwards and Motherwell had a great chance when Cargill mis-cued his clearance. Other than that it has really been restricted to crosses and shots from distance.
It's all set up for an intriguing second half so stay with us.
We'll have one minute added time at the end of the first half.
A heavy challenge from Osman on Cadden earns a yellow card. Some afters from the Motherwell man but all handbags really and the game restarts.
Mistake by Keown allows Curtins Main through into the Thistle box. The 'Well number 9 tries to lob Cerny who is alert to it but still has to dive full stretch to deny an opener for the Steelmen and the visitors eventually clear.
Some exteneded pressure from Motherwell follows but Thistle see it out.
Campbell has a shot from just outside the Thistle area charged down. Good defending by the back three.
Massive chance for Motherwell as Cargill miss-cues his clearance and it almost falls for a Motherwell player to tap in. As it happens Abdul Osman is fouled and the ref blows up for a free kick, saving Cargill's blushes.
Thistle have been good in spells but that is definitely a warning sign.
Osman receives a bit of treatment but it looks like he will be fine to continue.
Cross comes in and Motherwell struggle to deal with it. Thistle can't create space for a shot though and despite a minute or so of pressure, Motherwell are eventually able to clear.
Great combination between Doolan and Storey sees Dools whip a terrific ball in towards an on rushing McGin. Kipre heads out for a corner.
Danger for Thistle as Motherwell attack with numbers. Ciftci gets a ball into the box but the Jags defend it well.
Half chance for Motherwell as Hendrie lifts a high ball into the box. Chris Cadden wins the header but it falls comfortably into Cerny's arms.
Not a lot happening now as the game settles down. A Motherwell throw comes inside and Craig Tanner has a goo from well outide the box but it is comfortably high and wide.
Real end to end stuff here at Fir Park. Half chances for both sides but probably the best opportunity so far fell to Ryan Edwards a couple of minutes ago. First breakthrough could be crucial here.
CHANCE FOR THISTLE - Ryan Edwards heads over from four yards out, it was Miles Storey who again put in a really dangerous ball.
An excellent ball in from the right from Storey is flicked on by Doolan and falls to an advanced Mustapha Dumbuya. Unfortunately, despite having time, his shot goes over.
A half chance for Motherwell as they move the ball quickly and Ciftc almost gets through the defensive line. Excellent defending under pressure from Cargill though and Thistle get it clear.
Following a series of throw ins on the left wing, the Jags are able to have a period of sustained possession with Osman and Woods linking up well. Eventually Woods works the space for a shot but it's a tame one and Doolan can't get on the end of it to divert it towards goal.
A decent spell for Thistle nevertheless.
Chance for Motherwell but it's a complete miss-kick by Craig Tanner in the area, wide on the right and the Jags get it clear.
Through ball reaches Ciftci at the edge of the area but his snap shot is blocked by Osman.
Good ball in from Motherwell and causes some problems but Keown gets a low header clear and adam Barton mops up the second ball.
Great ball from Tanner towards the back post and Ciftci gets a boot to it and Cenry turns it round for a corner.
Throw comes on and is played into the box. Storey can't get a shot away and the ball bounces out to the edge of the box but Woods' right footed shot goes over the bar.
Free kick on the right side of the pitch 30 yards out. Martin Woods whips it in but Hendry heads clear for a Jags throw.
And we're underway - Mon eh Jags!
Hello and welcome to the ptfc.co.uk live text commentary for Partick Thistle's trip to Fir Park as the Jags look to escape the clutches of the relegation play-off spot with a result against Motherwell.
Last week, Thistle picked up their first away league win of the season in an impressive triumph over St. Johnstone and the Maryhill men will be looking to make it three consecutive wins on the road as they take on Stephen Robinson's Steelmen.
There are four changes to that Thistle side which downed the Perthshire Saints as Alan Archibald is forced into a few alterations. Conor Sammon misses the game due to a family bereavement and he is replaced by Kris Doolan. Callum Booth and Steven Lawless are also missing due to knocks. Mustapha Dumbuya comes in for Booth as Paul McGinn switches to the left-hand side while Ryan Edwards comes in for Steven Lawless. Adam Barton is the final change as he slots into a back three, replacing Chris Erskine to facilitate a change of formation.
The teams are now out warming up and kick-off is 45 minutes away. Join us here at 15:00 for live updates of all today's action.
Remember, though, that if you are a JagZone subscriber you can listen to the game live at https://ptfc.co.uk/jagzone/audio-commentary/