cinch Championship
Tue 22 February, 2022. Kick Off: - 19:45
Firhill Stadium
Match Information:
Ticketing Information:
Partick Thistle v Greenock Morton – Tuesday 22nd February
It’s another Tuesday evening under the Firhill floodlights as Thistle welcome Greenock Morton to Firhill.
All supporters are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets ahead of matchday 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
Purchasing before matchday
Ticket purchases before matchday (22nd February) are available to buy through one of the methods below:
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.
Partick Thistle Season Ticket Holders
This fixture is on the Partick Thistle 2021/22 season ticket. Use your season ticket card, or the PTFC ticketing app at the turnstile to gain entry to Firhill. Season tickets are only valid for the stand they were purchased for with no changing between stands on a game by game basis, currently permitted.
If you are a Partick Thistle season ticket holder who is due to be self-isolating on the date of this fixture, or who develops Covid-19 symptoms between now and matchday you should not attend this fixture. In this event, please contact to update us. We will de-activate your season card for this fixture and provide access to the live stream of the match.
Away Supporters
Away fans can purchase their ticket for this league game through one of the two methods below:
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 Greenock Morton fans will be available right up until kick-off.
There will be no provision available for physical in-person ticket sales for Greenock Morton 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.
Two of the cinch Championship’s form teams go head-to-head this week as Partick Thistle host Greenock Morton for some Tuesday night football. Despite losing at the weekend, the Ton have picked up more points than any other side in the division over the last five games with 10 and Thistle are only one point behind them in that respect. Now the two teams clash for the first time since late October when they couldn’t be separated in a 0-0 draw at Cappielow. Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game:
“We’re just really looking forward to playing after the call-off at Dunfermline last Friday. We feel like we’ve been in good form as of late but it’s been a bit stop-start with the postponements. We’ve had to shuffle about the training schedule again but the attitude of the squad has been superb and we’re looking forward to playing against Morton.”
The Jags are unbeaten in their last five league matches with two wins and three draws in those games and Neil says the management team are pleased with the levels of performance the team are showing.
“We feel like the boys are playing well at the moment. There have definitely been a couple of games where we’ve felt the performance deserved better than the result we ended up getting but a few key moments cost us.
“You look at the Inverness game when we were on top for large spells of the game but soft goals at the end of each half really cost us which was frustrating. Then, against Dundee United we felt we were comfortably the better team but we didn’t take our chances and they did which was ultimately the difference.
“Overall, I think there is a confidence in the team at the moment which is why we want to be playing games.”
Coming up against a Morton side under new management in the form of Dougie Imrie, Scally is expecting a firm test from the Championship’s eighth-placed side.
“They lost on Saturday but have still been in a very good run of form recently. Dougie’s obviously had a positive impact on that team and we expect them to come here looking to win right from the start. They’re strong and physical and they can go direct when they need to so that’s something we need to be able to stand up to.”
With no other games scheduled for this midweek Thistle know a win would see them jump into third place and Neil admits that’s a massive incentive for the team.
“You try not to focus on the table but you are aware of it and we’ve been sitting in fifth for what feels like a long time even though we’ve been picking up points when we’ve played so it would be great to move up into third.
“The games in hand are only worth something if you go out and perform so that’s what we’ve got to do over the next few weeks. It’s not going to be easy to win any games as we move towards the end of the season but, as I said earlier, we’re feeling confident and we’ll see what we can do.”
Although he’s optimistic about the team’s overall aims for this season, Scally reckons it’s vital that everyone takes things one game at a time.
“I think every game is going to be big and as soon as you take your eye off what’s in front of you to look further down the line, that’s when you’ll slip up. We’ve seen the bottom five teams improving massively over the last couple of months and that’s only going to make things more difficult to string results together so we can only look at each game and ensure we give our all.”
To conclude, Scally gave us the latest team news ahead of the visit of Morton.
“The only real update we have at the moment is on Richard Foster. Richard picked up that injury a few weeks ago and was facing a decent chunk of time out but he’s worked very hard and has been back in training. This game may just be a bit too soon for him but he’s not far away and that’s great news for us.”
Exclusive video interviews with Lewis Mayo and Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally 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 Greenock Morton, starting at 7:15pm – 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 © 2022. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
After 10 days without a game, Partick Thistle returned to action with a Tuesday night game against Greenock Morton at Firhill.
Both sides were coming into the game following defeats with Morton having lost to Hamilton and Thistle to Dundee United in their most recent games respectively.
Ian McCall made two changes that started the Jags’ cup loss to United with Tunji Akinola returning to the side after suspension in place of Stephen Hendrie while Cammy Smith came in for the injured Scott Tiffoney.
Despite their extended lay-off, there were no signs of rust in the Thistle legs as they came close to an opener twice in the opening 60 seconds. A Cammy Smith cross into the Morton box was cleared straight to Ross Docherty who took a shot on first time. His drive was deflected and then saved by Jack Hamilton as the ball rebounded to Alex Jakubiak. The on-loan Dundee striker tried to fire it past Hamilton at the near post but the ‘keeper was once again equal to the hosts’ efforts.
Very quickly defence turned in attack for the visitors as they broke forward trying to catch Thistle’s backline cold. The ball was worked over to Jamie Brandon on the right flank and the number 12 zipped a low pass into the feet of Robbie Muirhead. The one-time Jag controlled and shot on the spin but his attempt flew far over the bar.
As the first half continued, it was the home side who took control of proceedings. A Brian Graham volley from the edge of the box had some Thistle fans celebrating as the net rippled but it was the side-netting the number nine found.
Alex Jakubiak then had another opportunity to open his Thistle account. Robbie Crawford played a well-weighted pass down the left channel to get the Englishman moving and Jakubiak was able to race into the box. He tried to prod the ball towards goal but couldn’t make substantial contact with the ball as it bounced harmlessly into Jack Hamilton’s arms.
The Maryhill men continued to press and could easily have been ahead on 28 minutes. A Stuart Bannigan corner from the Jackie Husband Stand side of the pitch was delivered onto the head of Ross Docherty who in turn flicked it towards the goalmouth area. Kevin Holt was making a dash towards the ball but could only lift his shot over the bar as he fell to the ground.
Coming out for the second half, the game was still trending in the Jags’ favour. Five minutes after the restart Cammy Smith became the latest player to go close for Ian McCall’s side as he latched on to a Brian Graham knockdown just inside the Morton half. He then used his pace to stride away from Brian McLean before firing a low shot towards goal. His effort was on target but Jack Hamilton was able to get a leg to it as he turned the ball away from goal.
The hosts were then presented with their best opportunity yet to take the lead as they were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute. Alan Lithgow barged into Brian Graham as a corner came into the box and referee Euan Anderson pointed to the spot immediately for the Jags second spot kick in as many league games. Graham had scored the previous one up at Inverness but couldn’t convert this time as Jack Hamilton produced some heroics to keep out his attempt. The ball fell back to the striker but he could only head it off the post before Kevin Holt was penalised for a foul as he tried to force the ball over the line.
The game became something of a slog after that as both teams pushed for a winner. Morton had their first shot on target of the game as Robbie Muirhead saw his free-kick from 30 yards out comfortably saved by Jamie Sneddon.
Then with their second effort on target, the Ton took the lead in the 80th minute. A high ball into the box was flicked on by Gozie Ugwu into the feet of Oisin McEntee. The Irish defender tried a quick shot which was blocked by Kevin Holt, however, the ball fell straight back to McEntee who slotted the ball into the bottom corner at the second attempt.
There were a couple of half-chances for the Jags late on but they couldn’t find a way to equalise as Morton took all three points from Maryhill.
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 missed the chance to move into third place this evening as they lost 1-0 to Greenock Morton at Firhill. The Jags, who had been unbeaten in 2022 prior to the game, were on top for much of the contest but were beaten by an 80th minute strike from Oisin McEntee after Brian Graham had missed a penalty earlier in the second half. Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game:
“We’re all really disappointed with the results because we felt we were the better side for the majority of the game. We had some good passages of play and found some good areas but ultimately we struggled to create in the final third.
“We started the game well with a couple of decent chances and felt like we were edging things. We got down the flanks quite a few times and had plenty of the ball but, as I say, the final ball wasn’t there. Sometimes the ball wasn’t falling for us but at times it was poor decision making as well. You have to be clinical to win in this league and we weren’t clinical tonight.”
Things seemed to be going Thistle way when, after a bright start to the second half, the Maryhill men were awarded a penalty but with Jack Hamilton saving Brian Graham’s spot kick Neil felt that shifted the momentum slightly.
“We came out flying for the second half and it felt like a goal was coming. We get the penalty, which I thought was definitely a penalty, and you thought that was going to be the moment for us. Unfortunately, the ‘keeper makes a great save and that seemed to galvanise them for the rest of the game.
“That being said, they still didn’t cause us many problems. They had a free-kick from 30 yards as their only shot on target apart from the goal as far as I remember and that’s frustrating for us.
“Our last game against Dundee United was similar. We controlled a lot of possession, we found some good spaces in the final third but we couldn’t turn that into clear opportunities.”
Now, Thistle look towards Saturday’s game against Raith Rovers as a chance to bounce back and Neil reckons it’s good the team have that game so quickly.
“It’s the sort of result that leaves a really bad taste in your mouth so we want to get it out of our system. Everyone in that dressing room is down after that but we can get ourselves back on track immediately if we go away from home and get a result in Kirkcaldy.
“It’ll be a very difficult game but losing tonight means each game takes on a bit more importance. We can’t make a habit of dropping points if we want to be moving up the table so Saturday now becomes an even bigger game than it already was for us.”
Further reaction from Thistle assistant manager Neil Scally is available to watch on JagZone – log in to view.
We’ll have extended highlights and a full game replay of the fixture on JagZone later 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.
Morton end up collecting all three points in a match they rarely showed any ambition of wanting to win.
Thistle will rue a missed Brian Graham penalty in a match they dominated almost the entirety of.
Docherty snatches at a shot at the edge of the box and the ball sails high over the Morton crossbar.
The 90 minutes are over and its now down to what time the referee decides there is still to pay.
Murray steals onto a flick on but can't keep his header down as this game looks to be slipping away from Thistle.
Yellow card for the Thistle sub as he looks for a penalty.
Out of nowhere Morton steal a lead. Lyon's free kick is flicked on and the finish is applied from close range.
Docherty takes charge and heads the corner clear.
McAllister's corner is a poor one.
Muirhead gets his free kick on target but Sneddon is across quickly to save near his left hand post.
Morton win a free kick about 25 yards from the Thistle goal but in a central position.
It's just a yellow.
Ugwu and Mayo square up to each other after something off the ball. This might take some sorting out for the referee.
Hamilton goes the right way and he makes an excellent save low to his right. Graham dives to reach the rebound and the ball comes off the post before it appears to be bundled over the line
The referee spots a push as Bannigan's corner comes over.
McKenna's low drive goes wide with Thistle appealing frantically and in vain for a deflection and a corner.
It takes an excellent stop from Hamilton to deny Smith.
Thistle have been the better side but they have nothing to show for their efforts so far.
Although they have had a number of chances in truth they haven't pressed Hamilton in the Morton goal into any serious action.
Into first half injury time.
Morton demand a penalty for handball as the ball thumps off Akinola.
Docherty lifts a pass over the top of the Morton defence for Graham to gather but the flag goes up for offside.
A Smith shot from the edge of the box takes a deflection.
It's another decent corner from Bannigan. It again finds the head of Docherty but this time his header drops wide of Hamilton's right hand post.
Big chance for Thistle from Bannigan's corner. Docherty flicks the ball on to the back post where Holt can't keep his shot down.
Graham is able to get his head to a McKenna cross and steer the ball towards goal but Hamilton makes a comfortable save.
Crawford plays a nice ball down the left for Jakubiak who advances into the box but with a defender in close attention can do no more than stab the ball towards goal allowing Hamilton to make an easy save.
A Brian Graham effort from the right hand corner of the Morton box hits the side netting.
Oliver's wild effort from outside the Thistle box clears Sneddon's crossbar by some distance.
Jakubiak has the ball near the right edge of the Morton box. There's nobody up in support so he tries to cut into the box himself and looks to be tripped but there is no free kick.
Ugwu uses his strength to hold off Akinola but Sneddon is sharp off his lines to whip the ball away from the feet of the Morton striker.
It's a frantic start to the game as play quickly switches to the other end and Muirhead, slightly off balance, shoots over the bar from the edge of the Thistle box.
And Thistle are twice close to scoring inside the first 60 seconds as Docherty and then Jakubiak see fierce efforts blocked.
Thistle kick the game off and will be shooting towards the City end in the first half.
Following a blank weekend Thistle return to action this evening and welcome Morton to Firhill where a Jags win would take the team to third position in the league.
Getting three points though is unlikely to be anything other than extremely difficult with Morton, despite defeat at the weekend, rolling up at Firhil in good form.
Thistle will be without Scott Tiffoney this evening although they do welcome Tunji Akinola back to the starting eleven, the central defender having missed the last match with Dundee United through suspension.
There is also a starting berth for Cammy Smith with Stephen Hendrie dropping to the substitute bench.