Sat 22 January, 2022
Scottish Cup 
Firhill StadiumScottish Cup
Sat 22 January, 2022. Kick Off: - 15:00
Firhill Stadium
Following the Scottish Government’s announcement that the current attendance restrictions will be lifted next Monday 17th January, tickets are now on sale for our Scottish Cup tie against Airdrieonians which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 22nd January.
Partick Thistle season tickets are not valid for this fixture. All supporters are required to purchase a ticket for this match to gain entry.
All supporters are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets ahead of matchday on Friday evening to avoid lengthy Firhill queues.
Ticket prices for this match are priced at:
Adults – £20
Concessions (Over 65s, students, disabled supporter including carer, 16-18 year olds) £15
Under 16 – £5
Partick Thistle Supporter Information
Purchasing before matchday
Ticket purchases before matchday (22nd January) are available to buy through one of the methods below:
Supporters are reminded that the Executive Offices are currently closed while our office team work from home.
Matchday purchases
Tickets can be purchased on matchday through online sale. The Executive Offices will not be open on matchday.
Very limited provision will be made at the Jackie Husband ticket office for home supporters, without bank cards or online access, to use cash to purchase tickets for this game.
Airdrieonians Supporter Information
Away fans can purchase their ticket for this Scottish Cup tie through one of the two methods below:
Away supporters are notified that the Executive Offices are currently closed while our office team work from home.
Away supporter ticket prices for this match are priced at:
Adults – £20
Concessions (Over 65s, students, disabled supporter including carer, 16-18 year olds) £15
Under 16 – £5
Online ticket sales for Airdrie fans will be available right up until kick-off.
There will be no provision available for physical in-person ticket sales for Airdrie supporters on matchday.
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 a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock in their first home game of 2022, Partick Thistle will be looking to get their first Firhill victory of the new year this weekend as they take on Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup. The Diamonds come into the tie off the back of five straight wins in League One but won’t have great recent memories of Firhill having lost twice at the home of the Jags last season. Thistle assistant manager Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game:
“It’s a game we certainly feel ready for. Having played on the Friday night last week, we’ve had an extra day to recover and I was also able to go and watch Airdrie on the Saturday so we feel like we’re in a good place at the moment.
“I think after the spell without games it has taken the boys a couple of weeks just to get back up to speed properly but the training has really helped and obviously the gametime has helped as well. We’ve had two intense games in the league and some of the guys also got some time on the pitch in the Glasgow Cup as well so everyone’s raring to go.”
Archie then took some time to reflect on the game against Kilmarnock which he felt Thistle could have taken all three points from.
“I actually thought we were really good in that game and took the game to Killie. The groundstaff did a great job to get the pitch into decent shape and we were able to play some great stuff at times.
“The frustration was that we didn’t take a chance while we were on top, especially towards the end of the first half. We almost did with Cammy’s shot but the defender does brilliantly to clear it and then they get in front with the penalty which we felt was very harsh.
“Credit to the team though because they responded well and got back to the job at hand which was getting an equaliser and eventually we got it through a terrific finish from Ross Docherty which I thought was the least that we deserved.”
Looking ahead to a cup tie against Airdrieonians, Alan says the Diamonds won’t come to Firhill with any fear in their hearts considering their recent run of results.
“They’ve got no reason to come here with anything but confidence. Winning five games in a row shows they’re doing something right and I think in terms of style they’re quite different to what we faced in the league last year.
“When I went to watch them last weekend they were energetic, they knocked the ball about well and they played like a team who believe in themselves. Of course, you never know exactly how they’ll set up but I don’t expect them to come and sit in.”
The Jags had to played in front of a limited crowd of 500 home fans as they took on Kilmarnock last week but those restrictions have now been lifted meaning the entire Red and Yellow Army can return to Firhill this Saturday and Archibald says that will make all the difference for the players.
“You could feel it last week because we knew that the crowd could have been massive for a game like that. The 500 who did get in made plenty of noise and that did help but you can tell the difference. Having a full crowd back for an exciting cup tie will be great and hopefully as many people turn out as possible.”
Finally, Archie gave us the latest team news ahead of the game.
“The only change in terms of injuries would be Richard Foster. He’s struggling with a knock at the moment so although he’s still got a chance to make it, he’s a doubt.”
Exclusive video interviews with Brian Graham 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 Airdrieonians, starting at 2:30pm – click here to tune in.
We will be providing a pay-per-view option, priced at £12, for any supporter who wishes to watch our livestream of 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 continued their Scottish Cup journey as Airdrieonians visited Firhill in the fourth round of Scotland oldest cup competition.
Although from the league below the Jags, Ian Murray’s Diamonds represented a very tough tie for Thistle. Five wins in their last five games meant they came to Maryhill brimming with confidence, hopeful of causing an upset.
That hope was boosted by a very positive start from the away side as they played some nice football in the Thistle half. Little came of it, however, with their best opportunity of the opening stages being a deflected shot from the edge of the box by Adam Frizzell which was easily saved by Jamie Sneddon.
The tide began to turn after 20 minutes and it was around about that time that the hosts had their first serious effort on goal of the game. Cammy Smith was able to win the ball back in the midfield, poking it to Zak Rudden who then fed it infield to Brian Graham. The number nine then returned the ball to his strike partner Rudden but the former Falkirk man’s low shot was saved by the feet of Max Currie. The shot rebounded to Graham but he couldn’t get a shot away before a defender cleared the ball for a corner.
The Maryhill men didn’t have to wait long for their next opportunity and they didn’t pass it up at the second time of asking. A cross from Ciaran McKenna on the right-hand side ricocheted into the path of Cammy Smith in the box and the midfielder calmly squared the ball to Brian Graham who struck it home for his customary goal against Airdrieonians.
The suddenly rampant Jags could have been two in front just ahead of the half-hour mark as Scott Tiffoney nearly produced a moment of magic. The winger received the ball 10 yards inside the Diamonds’ half and instantly drove at the retreating players in red and white. He manoeuvred past one then jinked past another before unleashing a vicious shot towards goal. The power of the strike had the goalkeeper beaten, however, it was just a few inches too far to the left as it crashed back off the post.
After that positive end to the first half, Thistle were hoping to go out and put the game to bed early in the second period but that plan changed drastically in the 50th minute. A slightly loose Stuart Bannigan pass led to a 50/50 challenge between Tunji Akinola and Airdrieonians striker Jordan Allan. The Jags man seemed to get there first but, after the ball bounced behind him and Allan hit the deck, he was on the receiving end of a straight red card.
Stephen Hendrie was quickly introduced in place of Zak Rudden with Kevin Holt moving into central defence to leave space for the number 33 at left-back.
The home fans might have been expecting an onslaught from the visitors but it wasn’t forthcoming with Ian Murray’s side limited to half-chances and long shots for the most part. In fact, at times Thistle looked the more threatening side with Stephen Hendrie firing a volley just over the bar from 25 yards and Brian Graham seeing a chance smothered by Max Currie after he’d tried to bring the ball down on his chest.
With 12 minutes to go Airdrieonians finally had a clear sight of goal through substitute Calum Gallagher. A corner was flicked on to the striker who had found space at the back post but Jamie Sneddon was out in the blink of an eye to block Gallagher’s shot. The ball then fell to Rhys McCabe who tried a low shot from 25 yards, however, Ciaran McKenna was on hand to clear.
The travelling Diamonds had another chance to level things in the 85th minute as they worked the ball swiftly from left to right along the edge of the Thistle box. It ended up at the feet of Adam Frizzell on the right-hand side of the 18-yard area but the ex-Kilmarnock player couldn’t hit the target as he sought to beat Jamie Sneddon at the near post.
Airdrieonians threw everything at the Jags late on including goalkeeper Max Currie who came forward for a few corners and long throws but the home side stood firm and secured their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.
The draw was made a couple of hours after the game and Thistle will play Dundee United at home in the next round. That tie is to be played on 12th February 2022 at 3pm.
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.
Despite playing almost 40 minutes with ten men after Tunji Akinola’s second half red card, Partick Thistle secured progression in the Scottish Cup this afternoon with a 1-0 win over Airdrieonians. The Jags were looking good at half-time after Brian Graham had put them in front on 25 minutes, however, they ended up with their backs to the walls towards the end of the game after Akinola’s controversial dismissal. The Maryhill men battled and fought to keep the Diamonds at bay and were able to secure the victory and a spot in tonight’s fifth round draw. Jags boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game:
“Defensively we were absolutely brilliant in the second half and I’m really proud of the team after that. There are two decisions that we feel have gone against us but the boys stuck to it and gave everyone to make sure we won that game.
“It’s the Scottish Cup at the end of the day and it’s all about getting the win. Jamie Sneddon was good again, Lewis Mayo and Kevin Holt did a great job and we had Robbie Crawford and Stephen Hendrie doing excellently off the bench. It needed to be a real team effort after the red card and that’s what we got.”
The Jags got in front after 25 minutes as Brian Graham tapped home Cammy Smith’s square pass but McCall admitted Airdrieonians were probably the better side in the opening exchanges.
“To be honest, we were pretty slack at the start of the game while they were sharp from the first whistle. It took us a while to grow into things and a lot of that is down to our midfielders. Banzo and Doc started slowly but really found their rhythm around about 20 minutes in and that’s when we started to dominate and create chances.
“Zak has a great chance and Tiff hit the post as well so we could have been two up but overall we were really pleased with the way we finished that first half.”
The team’s plans for the second half were turned upside down by the sending off so the manager was delighted to see them adjust to the situation in the way that they did.
“The game turns on that moment really. At that point it becomes a question of how well we can defend and thankfully we can defend pretty well at the moment. Stephen Hendrie comes on and Holty moves into the centre and, as I’ve said, I thought the whole defence did well.
“They used the long throws, they had some corners, the goalkeeper was up at the end but we stood strong and showed the kind of determination that you need to grind out a result like that. I can’t actually remember them having many real sights of goal so that’s credit to the full team.”
Now Thistle look forward to a trip to face Arbroath next weekend in the cinch Championship and the gaffer knows it’ll be a game with huge ramifications at the top of the table.
“I have said that the games against the bottom five might decide this league but there’s no getting away from the fact that this is going to be a big one. We didn’t do anywhere near well enough last time against them so we want to put on a much better performance this time round.”
Further reaction from Thistle manager Ian McCall and Ciaran McKenna 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 © 2022. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Some hugely controversial refereeing calls make Thistle's progress into the next round of the Scottish Cup anything but routine.
Airdrie had been the better side for the first 20 minutes without unduly troubling Jamie Sneddon.
Brian Graham though fired Thistle into a 24th minute lead and from then until half-time were in full control. Tiffoney thumped a shot off the post and Docherty had a shot saved as Thistle looked to press home their superiority.
The second half was just four minutes old when Thistle were reduced to ten men when Tunji Akinola was sent off in incredibly harsh circumstances.
To be fair to Thistle they did control much of the second half despite the reduction in numbers but as curious refereeing decison followed curious refereeing decision tempers became frayed. None more so when numbers should have been even again when what looked an obvious foul, and red card, was missed.
The referee spots a infringement as a long throw comes into the Thistle box and Thistle have a free kick.
Tiffoney looks to be clearly fouled by McCabe as he knocks the ball past Currie, who is outside his box, but bizarrely the referee doesn't make what looks like an easy decision to make.
Currie goes up for the corner for Airdrie. There are multiple headers before the ball finally finds its way into the arms of Sneddon.
Tiffoney has the ball at his feet inside the Airdrie box but gets his finish all wrong.
The Airdrie fans think they have equalised but Frizzell's shot hits the side netting.
Perhaps not unexpectedly Thistle are dropping a shade too deep at times. The flag goes up for offside when the ball goes into the Thistle box though.
The referee is in danger of losing control of this games as tempers rise.
The corner falls to Gallagher and he has a great chance at the back post, albeit at a tight angle but is denied by a great block by Sneddon.
Docherty chips a great pass over the top of the Airdrie defence. Graham collects it but can't get round Currie in the Airdrie goal.
Bannigan clips the free kick into the box. It is headed clear as far as Hendrie who thunders in a shot that isn't too far off target.
Ironic cheers as Thistle win a free kick deep inside the Airdrie half.
For the first time since the red card, Airdrie are able to open up the Thistle defence but Watson's finish is really poor as he sends a tame effort over the crossbar.
Sneddon is off his line to confidently claim a Watson cross.
Thistle look set to make another change as they continue to shuffle things about following Akinola's red card.
Mayo makes a great challenge inside the box but the flag goes goes up for offside in any case.
Sneddon makes a comfortable save from a long range effort.
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Sneddon is able to save a Smith header near his right hand post.
Sneddon saves McCabe's free kick that follows Akinola's red card.
Harsh in the extreme. Akinola initially loses possession of the ball to Allan but looks to win it back. The referee decides otherwise and sends Akinola off. Thistle will play almost the entire second half with 10 men.
Akinola sticks out a foot to prevent Allan's pass from finding a team mate.
Bannigan's corner goes deep and Thistle with no success try and force the ball home.
It's nearly a second for Thistle who have been dominant since opening the scoring. Docherty shoots from distance and Currie has produce a smart save to his right to keep it out.
It's Bannigan again with the corner. It's a decent one but headed clear at the edge of the 6 yard box.
Bannigan's corner is headed clear.
Tiffoney has been kept quiet so far but he suddenly bursts into life and is incredibly unfortunate to see his shot rebound off the post with Currie beaten.
There is an element of good fortune about this one but Thistle are in front. A poor McKenna cross spins into the path of Smith inside the Airdrie box and he is able to find Graham at the back post who fires home.
Thistle are close to taking the lead. Airdrie are robbed off the ball deep inside their own half. Graham and Rudden exchange passes with Rudden seeing his shot saved by Currte at the expense of a corner that comes to nothing. A bit more encouraging all the same.
Thistle defend the corner although Frizzell is able to return the ball into the box where a Watson shot bobbles its way to Sneddon.
Airdrie win the ball in midfield and Frizzell advances towards the Thistle goal but Sneddon saves his low shot relatively comfortably.
Smith takes the corner. It's a poor one though and although Docherty tries to flick it goalwards at the front post it goes out for a goal kick.
That's a better cross from McKenna and his tries to find Graham at the back post but it is well defended though Thistle do earn their first corner of the afternoon.
Thistle come forward down the right but McKenna gets his cross all wrong and the ball goes out for a goal kick. Thistle haven't got going yet.
It's Airdrie that have started the brighter of the two sides.
Thoughts of league points are put aside this afternoon as Thistle embark on what we hope will be a prolonged Scottish Cup campaign.
Airdrieonians, League One rivals last season, and they come to Firhill in excellent form having won each of their last five fixtures and currently sit in second position in League One.
A tough test in store then for Thistle this afternoon and Ian McCall makes two changes from the side that drew with Kilmarnock last weekend.
In come Ciaran McKenna and Brian Graham with Robbie Crawford dropping to the bench and Richard Foster missing out.