SPFL Ladbrokes Championship
Sat 8 December, 2018. Kick Off: - 15:00
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
Fixture Information:
Admission Details:
This fixture is a GENERAL ADMISSION fixture
HOME ticket prices:
Spectators looking to use the Jackie Husband stand will require to purchase a ticket from the portable ticket office next to the Jackie Husband reception.
Cash gates in operation for the John Lambie and Colin Weir Stands.
Prices:
Adults – £20
Concessions – £15
Under 16s – FREE
A concession is qualified as a person between 17 and 18, over 65 or a student with a valid matriculation card.
AWAY ticket prices:
Prices:
Adults – £20
Concessions – £15
Under 16s – £5
Following back to back away Ladbrokes Championship matches for the Jags it is a return to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill as Gary Caldwell looks to continue his side’s improvement with all three points against the Pars. When Caldwell spoke to ptfc.co.uk he explained just how much of a boost returning to Maryhill could give the side.
“It’s brilliant to be back at home. Players always want to play in familiar surroundings and in front of their own supporters so we’re all really looking forward to this week’s match. Home form is vital for any successful team and just about every successful team will have good home form. I think our last game here at the Energy Check stadium at Firhill was probably our best performance of the season or certainly since I took over. The aim is to continue that, get the win and hopefully spark a run of results.”
It was heartbreak for Thistle last week as a good performance in which the visitors dominated much of the play saw Jags fans come away from Palmerston with nothing to show for their team’s endeavour – despite the denial of a stonewall penalty in the closing stages. Despite that the Thistle boss is quick to cut down any suggestion that the result is down to simple bad luck.
“It’s fine details and tiny margins that win and lose football games and that has what has been costing us points. We haven’t got them right yet but we have worked extremely hard to try and put that right. We know where we need to improve to get that win to kick start our campaign and really get things going.
“Winning the next game is the most important thing, once we get that we can start looking at a run of games and maybe look beyond just the next Saturday but just now our entire focus is on winning the next game.”
The Maryhill men find themselves bottom of the table but Caldwell is adamant that it is only those inside the camp who can get themselves out of the situation.
“We are in a position we shouldn’t be and, as a group of players, a staff, as a football club, we need to put it right and we are the only ones who can change it. We will come out fighting to get ourselves off the bottom of the table but that is just a start. The talent we have means we shouldn’t be where we are but we are so we need to do something about it ourselves because nobody else will do it for you.
“It’s up to the players who are here now to go and show they want to be at this football club for the remaining months of this season and beyond that. January is coming and every team will try and strengthen when the window opens. We are no different to that. The players who are here really need to perform and show passion for this football club and that will turn into results. If they can do that there will be a place for them here.”
Finally the gaffer gave an update on the latest fitness issues ahead of the weekend’s clash.
“Aidan Fitzpatrick had picked up a small knock on his ankle. He’ll get a test ahead of the game to see where he is but we’ll do everything we can to get him fit to play. After his performance last week it would be great to have him so we’ll leave it until the very last minute to give him the best possible chance of being included. Other than that it is just the long term ones who continue to work hard with the physios and fitness coaches to get back playing as soon as possible. Everyone else has had a really good week of training and are ready for Saturday.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Stuart Bannigan, Chris Erskine and Jags gaffer, Gary Caldwell, 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 the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 2:45pm 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.
Nearly a month after their last home fixture, Partick Thistle returned to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill this afternoon to take on Dunfermline Athletic. The travelling Pars came into the game off the back of a 3-0 home win over Morton a week prior while it had been nine games without the taste of victory for their hosts.
With Gary Caldwell still awaiting his first win as Jags boss, he made three changes to the side that was defeated at Palmerston last Saturday. Jamie Sneddon remained in goal with Cammy Bell still sidelined, however, there was a change in front of him. Dundee loanee, Dan Jefferies came in as part of the back three to make his debut alongside Tam Scobbie and Sean McGinty. Once again, James Penrice and Christie Elliott were the wing backs with Stuart Bannigan and Blair Spittal in central midfield. In the attack, Miles Storey and Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo played wide, replacing Chris Erskine and Aidan Fitzpatrick while Kris Doolan started up front again looking to end a seven game goalless run.
The home side came flying out of the blocks and established their dominance early with a shot on target after a matter of seconds. Tam Scobbie won a header inside the Thistle half and found James Penrice with the knockdown. The Thistle Weir Youth Academy graduate then charged forward and unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards which Lee Robinson needed two attempts to hold.
Then after just over ten minutes of back and forth, the Jags took the lead through Blair Spittal. The deadlock-breaking strike came from James Penrice’s cross which feel in the box with Kris Doolan fighting for the loose ball which deflected into Spittal’s path. The number seven who missed a penalty in Thistle’s last home game then more than made amends by slamming home the opener with his right foot, leaving Lee Robinson with no chance in the away side’s goal.
Eight minutes after the goal, Thistle could have easily been two ahead following back-to-back chances. The first opportunity fell to Miles Storey who saw an attempt from a tough angle saved, however, he then collected the rebound and lifted a delicate cross towards the back post where Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo met it. Unfortunately, the Belgian-born attacker was unable to keep his headed effort under the bar and the score remained 1-0.
Another chance came for the Maryhill men on the half hour mark as Kris Doolan had his first sight of goal. The Thistle legend latched onto a ball over the Dunfermline defence and brought it under control with his first touch before shooting with his second, however, that touch gave Robinson time to close the angle and the Pars ‘stopper made the block at close range.
The visitors came close to drawing level in the 43rd minute as an ex-Thistle man almost netted on his return to Maryhill. It was Danny Devine whose header caused the problems for the home team with the central defender meeting a deep corner into the Jags box. Devine failed to score in any of his 71 appearances in the red and yellow and luckily for Thistle he wasn’t able to score here either as his attempt skipped up off the turf and came back off Jamie Sneddon’s crossbar.
Shortly following that Gary Caldwell switched things up with his first substitution of the day. Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo was withdrawn with Andrew McCarthy coming on for the DR Congo international. This meant a change of formation as the team changed for a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2 with Miles Storey going from right-wing to centre forward.
Then right on the stroke of half time Dunfermline had another decent opportunity to make it 1-1. This time it was Faissal El Bakhtaoui with a header as he got on the end of a cross from the Dunfermline right. The Tunisian forward tried to power an effort beyond Jamie Sneddon but the number 23 was equal to it, tipping the shot over the bar magnificently.
With that, the Jags got into half time with their lead intact as Blair Spittal’s goal separating the teams. Thistle and Dunfermline had both had chances with the latter’s best football being played in the final ten minutes of the opening 45.
Thistle regained some level of dominance as the second half got underway with Miles Storey seeing two very similar opportunities saved by Lee Robinson. However, the attacker was not deterred and was rewarded for his persistence in the 56th minute as he scored his first league goal of the season. James Penrice was the creator as he drove forward into the Pars’ box and played a low ball across to Miles Storey. Storey used a smart flick to direct the ball goalwards and by the time Lee Robinson got to the ball, it had already crossed the line with the assistant flagging to indicate as much.
With 11 minutes to go, Gary Caldwell made his second change of the game with Chris Erskine coming on at left-midfield, replacing Kris Doolan. With this, the team moved into a 5-4-1 formation with Blair Spittal the other wide midfielder and Miles Storey the lone striker. However, Storey would be subject to the Jags final substitution as Jai Quitongo was brought on for the final few minutes.
Dunfermline had a couple of half chances in added time through Lewis McCann but with one saved and one off target, it wasn’t to be for the away side and things finished 2-0.
The win lifts Thistle above Alloa and Falkirk into eighth with the Wasps visiting Maryhill next Saturday. Kick-off is 15:00 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
PARTICK THISTLE TEAM: Sneddon, Jefferies, Scobbie, McGinty, Elliott, Bannigan, Spittal, Penrice, Storey (Quitongo, 87’), Mutombo (McCarthy, 43’), Doolan (Erskine, 79’).
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Stevenson, Keown, Ntambwe, Storer.
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC TEAM: Robinson, Williamson, Devine, Ashcroft, Longridge, Craigen (Hippolyte, 58’), Vincent (Beadling, 58’), Thomson, Muirhead (McCann, 85’), El Bakhtaoui, Keena.
UNUSED SUBS (DFA): Gill, L. Martin, Durnan, M. Martin.
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 recorded their first victory under the stewardship of Gary Caldwell this afternoon as they beat Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill. The Jags hadn’t won a game in their last nine before the visit of the Pars but were able to end that torrid run with a fully deserved win. Blair Spittal opened the scoring on 12 minutes, drilling the ball past Lee Robinson from 20 yards before Miles Storey doubled the lead early in the second half as his flicked effort squeezed over the line. The hosts then professionally saw the game out with every man on the park playing their part right up until the final whistle. A delighted Gary Caldwell discussed the game with ptfc.co.uk following the conclusion of the clash:
“I’m so happy for everyone at the football club. The win has been a long time coming and we feel we’ve been a bit unlucky at times but today we got what we deserved which was the three points.
“We can’t get too carried away. Obviously, we should enjoy it but it’s just a start and we now have to build on it. We need to bring the desire and commitment we showed today into each and every game we play moving forward and hopefully we’ll start to pick up more and more points.”
Gary was very pleased with the way that the individuals performed on the day which then supplemented the stellar team showing.
“As I’ve said, the hunger and desire from each player was terrific. There was a real energy throughout the team which helped us keep the ball out of our net but also pose a threat on the Dunfermline goal.
“We possibly should have scored more to be honest but I can’t criticise them much after that. Each and every player did their bit and they earned the victory.”
With Falkirk and Alloa battling to a draw, the Jags are now lifted into eighth position but Caldwell is keen to focus on what his team are doing and how they can continue that success through December and into the new year.
“We have to concentrate on ourselves and focus on what we can affect. If other results go our way, that’s great but we can’t rely on that. At the end of the day, if we can win our games then we’ll be well clear of the bottom of the table.”
Although today’s win was very much about the team, the gaffer did single out Blair Spittal for some praise. The number seven opened the scoring and worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes to ensure Thistle came away with maximum points.
“Blair has outstanding talent and terrific technical ability but he needs to show it more consistently and in the last few weeks I think he’s getting closer to doing that. Previously he was a bit quiet on the pitch but you can see him calling for the ball at every opportunity now which is what we want to see.”
The Maryhill men now look to next week’s clash with Alloa as they aim to make it back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. Kick-off is 15:00 from the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
A more in depth video interview with Gary Caldwell is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Dan Jefferies and Miles Storey – log in now to see them.
Highlights will be added shortly and 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 © 2018. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 8 December, 2018
SPFL Ladbrokes Championship 
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
It's been a long time in coming but it is worthy win in the end for Thistle who are able to climb two places up the league table.
Dunfermline miss a late chance as Sneddon doesn't cleanly claim the ball as he climbs above one of his own defenders toi try and reach it.
Quitongo is brushed off th ball as he tries to break clear before there is a tangle between him, Ashcroft and Robinson.
Sneddon is required to make a save as the free kick deflects into the path nof a Dunfermline player.
McGinty handles the ball and Dunfermline have a free kick deep inside the Thistle half.
Hippolyte takes the free kick and he gets the ball wide of the wall and also well wide of target.
Spittal's attempt to win the ball is miss timed and Dunfermline have a free kick about 8 yards outside the Thistle box.
Man of the Match: Blair Spittal
Storey delivers a low ball into the box that Erskine can't get on the end of.
Elliott safely nods the ball back to Sneddon.
Hippolyte shoots wide of the Thistle goal.
Keena sends a shot high over the Thistle bar.
Scobbie makes an important block as Dunfermline press.
Doolan back defending heads clear.
Elliott's cross is too close to Robinson.
Storey tries to get his head to Spittal's outswinging corner.
Muirhead takes the free kick and makes a complete mess of it curling it high over the crossbar.
Bannigan is late with a challenge and Dunfermline have a free kick a yard or so outside the Thistle box. Left of centre.
Elliott plays a nice pass down to McCarthy on the right but McCarthy over hits his cross into the Dunfermline box and any opportunity is lost.
Crowd: 2,566
Hippolyte fires a shot well over the Thistle crossbar.
it doesn't reach the back of the net but Miles Storey's close range flick from a cross from the left is enough to beat Robinson, and after a quick confirmation between referee and his assistant, clear the line.
Thistle just clear the corner.
Sneddon gets a hand to a low drive from Thomson to keep Thistle in front.
Spittal takes it but his effort hits the wall . Dunfermline don't clear though and Spittal takes charge again and his low shot is saved by Robinson.
Thistle free kick about 30 yards out. Bit too far out for Spittal?
Storey is in behind the Dunfermline defence with no flag for offside. Robinson though spreads himself well and makes a good stop though Storey could perhaps have done better.
Muirhead hits a low corner and a shot is blocked just as it looks as Dunfermline might equalise.
Spittal's corner is too high and goes out for a goal kick at the opposite side.
Storey forces a defender into an error and froma tight angle nearly extends the Thistle lead.
Thistle take a 1-0 lead into the interval thanks to Blair Spittal's 11th minute goal.
There have been some good passages of play from Thistle where they have threatened a second goal but some real nervy moments too. Twice the ball has struck the frame of the Thistle goal and right on half time Jamie Sneddon produced an excellent stop to push a net bound header over the bar.
Magnificent save from Sneddon to turn a header from 8 yards out over the bar. .
Nervy moments for Thistle but Sneddon comes off his line to confidently claim a cross.
A freal let off for Thistle when Devine's header smacks off the Thistle bar when the corner isn't cleared.and bounces clear.
McGinty nods the corner clear.
A Mutombo cross is headed clear at the edge of six yard box.
The Thistle defence are a little slow in pushing out to try and block an attempted shot and when the shot does come in from Muirhead it clips the top of the Thistle bar on the way over.
Spittal does well to win the ball deep inside the Dunfermline half. He gets the ball out wide to Storey on the right but there is nobody far enough forward to try and get onto his low cross.
The ball drops to Doolan inside the box and there is anticipation of a real chance. His angle is too tight though and Robinson is swift;ly off his line to make a save.
Doolan is fouled. Is that the first free kick we've had this afternoon?
Keena's effort from 20 yards out doesn't have the power or direction to pose Sneddon any serious problems.
Mutombo skips past a defender right on the Dunferm;ine bye line but from the tightest of tight angles he can't find a route past Robinson with his low shot.
Thistle twice come close in a matter of seconds. Firstly Storey sees his shot saved by Robinson. He gets the ball back though and lifts a cross towards the back post where Mutombo heads over the bar.
Mutombo can't get the ball under control for a shot inside the box.
After a delay for Keena to receive treatment Dunfermline take the free kick which is about a foot outside the box. Craigen hits a low one that goes comfortably wide of Sneddon's left hand post.
Dunfermline have a free kick about a yard outside the Thistle box and a few yards left of centre.
Jefferies misjudges a ball into the Thistle box but recovers to clear for a throw.
A ball into the Dunfermline box is only cleared as far as Blair Spittal lurking just outside the box and he fairly buries a low drive into the bottom corner of the net. A little against the run of play to be honest but frankly nobody is caring too much about that right now.
It's Dunfermline that have had the better of the opening 10 minutes.
Muirhead curls in the corner but it is missed by everyone and goes out for a goal kick on the thistle right hand side.
Dunfermline have a free kick a good 35-40 yards from the Thist;le goal but still a chance to test the Thistle defence.
Keena tries to catch Sneddon out with a shot from distance but the Thistle keeper is able to make a comfortable save.
Great chance for Dunfermline in their first serious attack. A cross comes over from the left that finds El Bakhtaoui whose effort from an angle is only just wide of Sneddon's righ hand post.
Positive start from Thistle. Scobbie is well up to win a header and the ball falls to Penrice. Penrice advance qwith the ball and from 30 yards out elects to shoot bringing out a save, albeit, a comfortable one from Robinson.
Gary Caldwell, still looking for his first win as Thistle manager, makes three changes to the side that startts today's game with Dunfermline.
Into the starting eleven come Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo, Miles Storey and Daniel Jefferies. The last named of that trio making his Partick Thistle debut.
Dropping out are Aidan Fitzpatrick, who failed a late fitness test, Niall Keown and Chris Erskine, the latter two taking up positions on the Thistle ench alongside sub keeper Jamie Stevenson, Jack Storer, Andrew McCarthy, Jai Quitongo and Brice Ntambwe.