cinch Premiership Play-Off
Tue 3 May, 2022. Kick Off: - 19:05
Firhill Stadium
Tickets are now on sale for the first leg of our cinch Premiership play-off quarter-final against Inverness at Firhill.
We face the third placed Caley Jags in a two-legged tie, which starts here in Maryhill on Tuesday evening, to see who progresses to face Arbroath in the next stage of the play-offs.
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 inc. carer, 16-18 year-olds) – £15
Under 16s – £5
Under 12s – Free
Purchasing before matchday
Ticket purchases before matchday (3rd May) are available to buy through one of the methods below:
Purchasing online here
Calling 0141 579 1971, selecting option 1 on Monday (10am – 4pm)
Visiting the Firhill Executive Offices on Monday (10am – 4pm)
Matchday purchases
Tickets can be purchased on matchday through online sale. The Executive Offices will be open from 10am on matchday (3rd May) for ticket sales in-person or over the phone.
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.
Upgrade to Hospitality
If you want to enjoy Tuesday night’s game in style then you can upgrade your ticket to a hospitality place online now. Packages are priced as follows:
Adults – £30
Concessions (Over 65s, 16-18 year-olds) – £25
Partick Thistle Season Ticket Holders
This fixture is not on the Partick Thistle 2021/22 season ticket so if you’re a season ticket holder who would like to attend the match, please purchase a ticket through one of the above methods.
Away Supporters
Away fans can purchase their ticket for this play-off game through one of the three methods below:
Purchasing online here
Calling 0141 579 1971, selecting option 1 on Monday (10am – 4pm)
Visiting the Firhill Executive Offices on Monday (10am – 4pm)
Away supporter ticket prices for this match are priced at:
Adults – £20
Concessions (Over 65s, students, disabled supporter inc. carer, 16-18 year-olds) – £15
Under 16s – £5
Under 12s – Free
Online ticket sales for away fans will be available right up until kick-off.
There will be no provision available for physical in-person ticket sales for away 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.
All supporters are reminded that this evening’s game kicks off at 7:05pm.
The cinch Premiership promotion play-offs begin this midweek as Partick Thistle host Inverness at Firhill in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The two sides last met back in March when a Kevin Holt strike won the game late on though the Caley Jags have finished the regular season in good form, winning six of their last eight. Thistle boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk to preview the tie:
“It’s what we’ve been working towards all season. The last few months haven’t been straightforward for us but we’ve managed to achieve the goal we had last summer so now we have to go in and give it everything we’ve got.”
The manager wasn’t at Somerset Park on Friday night as we closed out the cinch Championship season due to illness but he gave us his assessment of the game a few days on.
“We made a few changes to give certain players a rest after playing a lot of football but then we had a couple of first half injuries for Kyle McAllister and Kyle Turner and Lewis Mayo took ill at half-time so the plans were forced to change really. Then late on Ross Docherty picked up a knock which forced him off too.
“Even still, the performance was disappointing. It was a huge game for Ayr and they deserved to win it but come Tuesday the team will have a few changes and we’ll be looking to put on a much better performance.”
McCall gave us an update on the four players who were forced off at Somerset Park as well as Brian Graham and Scott Tiffoney, neither of whom made the matchday squad against the Honest Men.
“Ross Docherty is fine, his was just a precaution. Lewis Mayo should be alright as well. The likelihood is that Turner and McAllister will miss the first leg though we hope they might be back for Friday.
“As for Brian and Tiff, they should be fine. Tiffoney has been looking the best he’s been for a wee while over the past couple of days. He possibly could have played at Ayr but we felt he really needed that extra bit of recovery and based on what I’ve seen in training, it’s served him well.”
Thistle and Inverness are no strangers having met four times already this season and the gaffer says he’s anticipating a tight contest as it tends to be against the Highlanders.
“We know they’re a really good team and, thinking back on the season, when we drew 0-0 with them here that was probably the best opposition performance we’ve come up against.
“We’ve spoken to the players about how we think they’ll set up but we also want to focus on ourselves, our formation and make sure we can influence the game the way we want to. Obviously, this situation is a bit different to a typical game because it’s over two legs so we want something positive to take up to Inverness.”
With the first leg being at home, Ian is hoping that a sizeable Thistle support make their way to Firhill to back the team as they look to kick-off their play-off campaign in winning fashion.
“The crowd has been great for the last few home games so hopefully we get that same backing on Tuesday night. It’s a big game in midweek so ideally we want to create a great atmosphere because it can make a real difference. It’s not been easy at times during the second half of the season but we’ve now got a huge chance to go and finish the season on a high but we’ll need the fans’ backing to do it.”
Exclusive video interviews with Stuart Bannigan and Thistle manager Ian McCall 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 6:35pm – click here to tune in.
We will be providing a pay-per-view option, priced at £12, for any supporter who wishes to watch their livestream of the match – click here to purchase.
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.
The cinch Premiership play-offs began as Inverness Caledonian Thistle travelled to Glasgow to take on Partick Thistle in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The 3rd and 4th placed teams in the Championship respectively, the two Thistles had split their regular season games with a win each and two draws.
Both sides made a slew of changes after having rotated their teams for the final game of the Championship season four days prior with Ian McCall making five alterations to the side which lost 3-1 to Ayr at Somerset Park. Kevin Holt returned to the starting line-up in place of the injured Lewis Mayo while Stephen Hendrie was back in at left-back in place of Richard Foster. Kyle Turner and Kyle McAllister, both of whom picked up knocks against Ayr, missed out on the matchday squad completely with Stuart Bannigan and Scott Tiffoney replacing them. The final change saw Brian Graham back in the first XI as Cammy Smith dropped to the bench.
The opening stages of the game were typical of a first leg in a two-legged tie with neither team willing to give up much ground to the other. The only real sight of goal in that early period came through Shane Sutherland as Caley’s top league scorer dragged a shot comfortably wide from 20 yards out.
The first save of Mark Ridgers’ game arrived in the 20th minute after Thistle had kept the ball alive after a Stephen Hendrie corner had been cleared. He ball came back out to the defender and he whipped a teasing ball into a mix of bodies near the six-yard box. Tunji Akinola swung a leg at the delivery but could only guide it into Ridgers’ grasp with the former Jags ‘stopper untroubled.
Three minutes later there was another sight of goal for the home side and it came from a Ciaran McKenna long throw. McKenna hoisted the ball into the Caley box and Ross Docherty was able to touch it on to the back post area where Scott Tiffoney was lurking. The winger acted quickly to get his shot away but he blazed it well over the bar.
Probably the best chance of the opening period arrived in first half stoppage time as Caley left-back Robbie Deas charged forward to support the attack. Sean Welsh spotted Deas and lifted a delicate ball onto the toes of the former Celtic youth player. Deas brought it down well and tried to pick out the far corner at a tight angle but his attempt skipped safely wide of the upright and out for a goalkick.
As the second half got underway, there was an increased energy about Thistle and they were nearly rewarded for that in the 51st minute. As play slowed down near the Inverness box, Stuart Bannigan gave the ball to Scott Tiffoney and the number seven fired a dangerous cross towards the Caley goal. Robbie Crawford couldn’t quite reach it but when the clearing header ricocheted off the midfielder, it fell to Brian Graham in the six-yard box. It would have been an easy finish had it not been for the alert goalkeeping of Ridgers who was at Graham’s feet almost immediately, smothering the striker’s effort.
The hosts wouldn’t be denied, however, and just two minutes on from that Ridgers stop, they had their opener. Ciaran McKenna played a lofted ball up towards the edge of the Caley Thistle box and Alex Jakubiak’s hard work forced it towards Brian Graham. The number nine spotted the brilliant run of Robbie Crawford and slotted a nice reverse pass into his path. The ex-Motherwell midfielder quickly got his shot away, driving it past the goalkeeper at the near post.
After the goal, Inverness gradually fought their way back into the game and had a couple of half-chances with Shane Sutherland blasting a couple of efforts into the John Lambie Stand. Sutherland didn’t give up though and he was rewarded for his endeavour in the 71st minute as he drew the away side level. It was an instinctive striker’s goal as he fed on the scraps left from Billy Mckay’s shot which Jamie Sneddon could only parry back towards the penalty spot. First to react, he got to the loose ball and fired the ball home to make it 1-1.
Six minutes later there was a golden opportunity for Ian McCall’s side to retake the lead and it fell for substitute Juan Alegria. The Colombian was pressing the Inverness defence, assisted by Brian Graham, and they were able to force a mistake as David Carson slipped when playing a back-pass to Mark Ridgers, setting up Alegria for a shot on goal. The 19-year-old tried to bend a shot into the far corner but couldn’t keep the effort down as he saw it fly over the bar and out for a goalkick.
Then, with nine minutes to play, it was the visitors’ turn to create a big chance and, unlike Thistle, they took it. A slack Ross Docherty pass gave the Caley Jags possession in the home side’s half and it was swiftly worked out to Shane Sutherland on the right flank. He spotted the run of Austin Samuels and put the ball on a plate for the Englishman who guided the ball past Jamie Sneddon from close range.
That goal proved to be the final clear opportunity of the game as Inverness left Maryhill with an aggregate lead heading into the quarter-final second leg at the Caledonian Stadium this Friday. That game in a 7:45pm kick-off in the Highlands.
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.
The cinch Premiership play-offs got underway this evening as Partick Thistle took on Inverness in the first leg of the quarter-finals and it was the Caley Jags who took a huge step towards progression in Maryhill. The home side took the lead early in the second half through Robbie Crawford but were pegged back by a Shane Sutherland goal before Austin Samuels completed the turnaround leaving Thistle with all the work to do in the return leg in the Highlands. Jags boss Ian McCall spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the final whistle:
“We felt we shaded that game overall but to be honest there wasn’t much in it. It wasn’t a great game of football and ultimately it was decided by the key moments which went against us tonight.
“There was very little to talk about in the first half and we changed things a bit at half-time to put Alex up next to Brian. We then get that goal and for a while it looked like we were going to dominate but that fizzled out and we concede two poor goals which will make things very difficult for us.”
Looking at the opening goal, the manager said he was pleased with the interplay his players demonstrated to take the lead.
“First of all, Alex battles to make it tough to clear and that gets it to Brian which is the benefit of having them as a two. Then Brian does brilliantly to spot Robbie’s run and get it through to him. We’ve been asking Robbie to get involved more going forward and he made a few good runs today. The finish was really good too and, as I’ve said, at that point there was a chance to push on.”
The visiting Caley Jags struck back in the 71st minute before going in front with eight minutes to play and McCall felt both goals could have been better dealt with.
“For the equaliser, we give Mckay too much space to take the shot and then when the shot does come in Jamie should do better even if it’s just to parry it away from goal.
“The second one comes from a slack pass by Doc but to be fair to them, the cross is brilliant from Sutherland and it lands right on the boy’s toe. These big moments decide ties like these and the defending as we conceded along with the chance that Juan missed were the difference between winning and losing.”
Finally, the gaffer stressed that the tie is far from over and the team have to go to the Caledonian Stadium with the belief that they can turn things around.
“That’s the beauty of a two-legged tie – things didn’t go our way tonight but we have another 90 minutes to try and get through. There’s only one goal in it so we’re still very much in it. It’s disappointing because we feel like at worst we should be going up there level but that’s football and we’ve now got a job to do on Friday night.”
Further reaction from Thistle manager Ian McCall will be available to watch on JagZone tonight – 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.
Tue 3 May, 2022
cinch Premiership Play-Off 
Firhill Stadium
The tie isn't over by any means but Inverness will go into the second leg on Friday with a one goal advantage as they come from behind to win 2-1.
The ball is in Ridgers' hands and that will be that.
Minimum of three minutes additional time. Thistle will need to get the ball into the Inverness half if they are to have any hope of grabbing an equaliser.
Docherty heads McAlear's corner way but it is an Inverness throw deep inside the Thistle half.
That's a huge goal in the context of this tie. Docherty gives possession away cheaply and Samuels tucks home Sutherland's excellent cross from the right hand side.
Alegria is able to gather a Graham pass inside the Inverness box but can't find the space for a shot.
Thistle miss a glorious chance to regain the lead. Alegria is on the end of a misplaced back pass but he sends his shot over the bar when a goal looked certain.
Holt tugs at a defender in trying to get on the end of Hendrie's free kick and it is an Inverness free kick.
Tiffoney is fouled and Thistle will have a chance to get the ball into the box from the free kick wide on the left.
Crowd: 2,919
We're level again. Holt doesn't get enough distance on a headed clearance and Mckay thumps in a shot from 20 yards out that Sneddon saves but can't hold. The ball falls nicely for Surtherland and he makes no mistake.
It's good goalkeeping from Sneddon who collects the ball ahead of Mckay.
It's a great touch and pass from Graham that allows Jakubiak to advance down the left but the flag goes up for offside.
Sutherland has a little too much space inside the Thistle box but his shot is way too high and Sneddon is required to make a save.
Sneddon has to be alert to make a save near his left hand post from a Chalmers shot.
Crawford collects a lofted pass from McKenna deep inside the Inverness box. His first touch isn't great and he is forced to push the ball back to Docherty who shoots wide of goal.
Half a chance for Sutherland when the ball drops to him at the right hand corner of the box but he lifts his head while shooting and the ball sails over Sneddon's crossbar.
McKenna is there to clear as Inverness break after Hendrie's corner is cleared.
Graham again does well to find Crawford to his right but this time the flag goes up for offside.
Thistle draw first blood. Jakubiak holds the ball up for Graham who touches the ball to Crawford who thrashes the ball high past Ridgers. Not a bad time to score his first Partick Thistle goal.
Ridgers saves with his feet as the ball breaks to Graham in front of goal.
It's a poor free kick from Hendrie and Inverness try to break after it is cleared.
Tiffoney is fouled wide on the left hand side.
There is a break in play for McKenna to receive some treatment after Chalmers is late with a challenge on the Thistle defender.
Thistle get the game back underway.
It's still level after a gripping if not classic 45 minutes of football.
It's not been an overly cagey game of football but you can tell there are some nerves in both sides.
Both teams have had spells on top with Inverness looking the more dangerous in and around goal with Deas missing the best chance of the half right on the stroke of half-time.
Best chance of the game comes right on half time. McKenna is caught sleeping and Deas collects the ball but from an angle drags his shot across goal and wide of the far post.
It's an important intervention from Akinola to deny Mckay a glimpse of goal.
Minimum of 3 minutes additional time to be played.
It's an easy Sneddon save from a Mckay shot.
It's a well struck free kick from McAlear but it isn't troubling a well placed Sneddon.
A frantic passage of play ends with Inverness winning a free kick close to the right hand corner of the Thistle box.
Once more Hendrie's corner is well defended.
Thistle break quickly through Tiffoney whose run takes him all the way to the edge of the Inverness box where he doesn't get the free kick that he demands.
It's Graham with the header clear from McAlear's corner with Bannigan completing the clearance.
A Sutherland header from a Deas cross drops harmlessly wide of Sneddon's goal.
Graham heads clear Chalmers' corner and is fouled while doing so and Thistle have a free kick.
Devine and Ridgers nearly get in each others way giving Jakubiak a chance but Ridgers recovers just in time.
Chalmers sticks the ball through Akinola's legs inside the Thistle box but he can't make any further progress towards the Thistle goal and the ball is cleared.
A McKenna long throw is flicked on to Tiffoney who blazes a shot over the bar. Tiff appeals for a deflection and a corner but more in hope than expectation.
Hendrie whips this corner right into the 6 yard box. It's cleared but Hendrie picks up the ball once more and again whips a cross deep into the box. This time it finds a Thistle head but the header flies straight at Ridgers.
An early change for Inverness with the dangerous looking Walsh not recovering from a knock he picked up a few minutes ago that required some lengthy treatment on the pitch.
Hendrie's corner is headed clear.
Ridgers is heavy with his touch allowing Graham to charge down his clearance but the ball spins away from goal.
Hendrie goes deep with his corner this time but it is again well defended by Inverness.
Inverness threaten as Welsh gets in behind the Thistle defence but Crawford tracks back and he does enough to deny Welsh a shooting opportunity.
Hendrie tries to find Docherty at the front post with his corner but the ball is cleared.
Sneddon needs to show safe hands to collect a Deas cross at his front post.
It's Inverness that have started the better and the first chance comes their way. Walsh touches the ball to Sutherland who drags his shot wide of target.
We're off and running. Thistle shooting towards The John Lambie Stand in the first half.
It's play-off time and Thistle's play-off journey, which will hopefully extend all the way to May 23rd, starts tonight with the visit of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
As you would imagine a number of changes, five in total, have bee made from the side that started the final game of the league season.
Into tonight's starting eleven come Kevin Holt, Scott Tiffoney, Stuart Bannigan, Brian Graham and Stephen Hendrie.
Richard Foster and Cammy Smith drop to the bench while Lewis Mayo, Kyle Turner and Kyle McAllister miss out entirely.