Sat 10 November, 2018
SPFL Ladbrokes Championship 
The Energy Check Stadium at FirhillSPFL Ladbrokes Championship
Sat 10 November, 2018. Kick Off: - 15:00
The Energy Check Stadium at Firhill
With Inverness coming to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill it will be only Gary Caldwell’s second outing in front of a home crowd as Jags boss. Despite a very disappointing performance and result against Greenock Morton last Saturday the Jags gaffer is pleased to be back in Maryhill and is already looking forward to being back in the home dugout. Speaking exclusively to ptfc.co.uk, Gary took us through what has been a challenging week.
“We’re definitely looking forward to getting back in front of our home fans this week. We’ve had a really good week and have spent time going over what was an unacceptable performance and result in Greenock. We’re looking to kick start our season and all the work this week has been focused on getting that when we take on Inverness this Saturday.
“Too often we have left the good work we have done during the week on the training pitch and not taken it into the games on a Saturday and that is probably my biggest frustration since taking over the side. Everything we do during the week is designed to build towards a Saturday and we should be taking that with us into games whether we’re at home or away. It’s fair to say we haven’t so far and, as I say, that is something we need to put right.
“I feel like I speak every week about how good the training has been over the last five days and I would forgive people for thinking I was just saying what I thought they wanted to hear, but that isn’t the case. The standards we set Monday to Friday are very high and the players have been excellent to work with from the first time I stepped onto the training pitch with them. The challenge now is to take those standards into a Saturday because, at the moment, the performances on matchday simply aren’t up to standard and don’t reflect the work we put in during the week.
“This will be my second match in charge of Thistle at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill and for all the result wasn’t what we wanted against Ayr United the experience of being in that dugout with such a fantastic support was an experience I will never forget and look forward to repeating today.”
Although Caldwell is still in search of his first win as Thistle manager he remains positive about his approach to the game.
“I have a clear vision of how I want this team to play and what that identity should be. It’s based on a strong defensive base that gives us a platform to play attractive attacking football. We challenge the players every day to build that identity and work on the areas of our game that must improve. All of these things are important and must come together on a Saturday if we want to start moving up the table.”
With a few players absent through injury at Cappielow, the manager gave an update on those who are struggling for Inverness.
“Doolan has come back into training on Thursday and has done a bit of work with us but we’ll need to assess him again for Saturday. Likewise Erskine picked up a niggle during the week but has trained since so again we’ll need to assess him ahead of Saturday. Andréa also missed out last week with a calf strain and it is unlikely that he will feature this weekend either, he has done some additional work with the physios but probably isn’t quite there yet in terms of overall fitness.
“Unfortunately there has been a development on the longer term injury front with Souleymane Coulibaly who will probably have to go for surgery on a knee problem next week. We’re hoping it won’t be too serious and he’ll be back training with us around the New Year but we won’t know for certain until the surgeon has been in and had a look.”
Saturday aside there have been some encouraging signs from the Jags despite the much sought after victory remaining illusive but he is completely clear on what is required from his players.
“This league is unforgiving and we must cut out the mistakes. Saturday aside we have played well in spells and there is definitely plenty of quality in this side but while controlling games is good, being the better team is good, having more possession is good, none of those things win games. None of those things get three points on the board. There is a recognition of what is required from all parties though – the players, the staff, everyone – and hopefully supporters will see that tomorrow.”
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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.
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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.
Partick Thistle returned to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill following last weekend’s 5-1 defeat to Morton looking to end their run of six straight losses with a result against Inverness Caley Thistle. The Jags welcomed Inverness with the Highlanders having drawn all of their last seven games having last won a game when the Maryhill men travelled north in September.
Gary Caldwell made just one change to the side that were beaten at Cappielow last week with that alteration facilitating a change in formation. Cammy Bell retained his place in goals behind an unchanged defence featuring Christie Elliott, Niall Keown, Sean McGinty and James Penrice. It was a flat four in midfield too with Blair Spittal, Stuart Bannigan, Craig Slater and Miles Storey forming a second bank of four across the middle of the park. Up front was the new partnership of Jai Quitongo and the fit again, Kris Doolan who returned to the starting line-up in place of Brice Ntambwe.
To begin with, the game was very open and the home side really should have taken the lead on ten minutes. The chance came from Kris Doolan’s first touch which knocked a long ball perfectly into Jai Quitongo’s path. The number 33 charged into the penalty area and had a clear shot on goal. He tried to find the space at the near post but Mark Ridgers was alert enough to get down and save the attempt.
The Jags created another great opportunity after 24 minutes when Kris Doolan had his first sight of goal. The attack was started by Stuart Bannigan’s excellent tackle in the midfield with the loose ball falling to Blair Spittal. The number seven then put his head down and sprinted forward, getting past four challenges in the process before passing to Kris Doolan. The Thistle marksman took a touch before striking on the spin but his effort bent just past the post.
Inverness created their first real chance of the game just ahead of the hour mark as Tom Walsh forced Cammy Bell into a save. The ball bounced in front of the Caley number 11 around 20 yards out and Walsh decided to take a snap shot, aiming for the far corner of the goal. His shot was on target and moved slightly as it travelled towards goal but Jags ‘keeper, Bell got down quickly to parry.
Kris Doolan had another opportunity to give his side the advantage after 36 minutes when the hosts kept the ball alive following a cleared corner. Craig Slater’s initial set piece came back to the number 17 and his subsequent cross fell to Kris Doolan. The number nine once again took one touch and fired goalwards but it was the same result as the ball flew past the post.
At the start of the second half, Caley frontman, George Oakley had two great opportunities to give the travelling Highlanders the lead with the first opening presenting itself on 50 minutes. Tom Walsh’s in-swinging corner found the head of the number 14 at the front post and with just a little touch needed, Oakley put far too much on it and nodded it over the bar from a matter of yards.
The second opportunity, which fell to the same man, came after 62 minutes. This time, after a well-worked short corner, the ball was delivered to the back post where Oakley was waiting but once again the forward failed to find the target from close range. Shortly thereafter, Aidan Fitzpatrick was brought on in place of Miles Storey.
Despite missing those two big chances, Caley Thistle were still able to take the lead with 19 minutes left to play. Tom Walsh picked the ball up around 20 yards from goal and quickly shifted the ball onto his right foot. The ex-Dumbarton man then unleashed a curling effort which Cammy Bell got a hand to but was unable to keep out as Caley took the advantage.
Thistle were gifted an immediate chance to get back level as Steven Kirkland awarded a penalty in their favour three minutes after the opener. A high ball into the box was headed on by Kris Doolan by it struck the arm of a Caley man and although it was at close range, the referee pointed to the spot. Blair Spittal was the man who stepped up but unfortunately for the hosts, his spot kick was saved well by Mark Ridgers down to the ex-Jag’s left-hand side.
There would be one last chance for Thistle with substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick getting the chance to equalise. It was Kris Doolan’s good work that forged the chance with a quick pass splitting Brad McKay and Coll Donaldson. Fitzpatrick was then able to skip forward and get a shot away but on his weaker left side, he dragged the attempt wide of the far post as Thistle passed up on another big opportunity.
That would be it as far as chances went for the Maryhill men as Steven Kirkland blew for full-time with the score at 1-0. It represented a seventh straight defeat for Thistle in a game they should never have lost considering the chances they created. Nevertheless, the defeat leaves the Jags in ninth place ahead of a massive clash with bottom side Falkirk next Saturday which kicks off at 15:00 from the Falkirk Stadium.
PARTICK THISTLE TEAM: Bell, Elliott, Keown, McGinty, Penrice, Bannigan, Slater, Spittal, Storey (Fitzpatrick, 65’), Doolan, Quitongo.
UNUSED SUBS (PTH): Sneddon, Scobbie, Ntambwe, McCarthy, Wilson, Storer.
INVERNESS CT TEAM: Ridgers, McKay, McCart, Donaldson, Chalmers, Trafford, Welsh, Doran, Polworth, Walsh, Oakley (White, 67’).
UNUSED SUBS (ICT): Hoban, Austin, McGregor, Harper.
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 suffered a third consecutive home defeat as Inverness visited the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill this afternoon. The Jags were looking to put a torrid run of losses to an end with a result against their Highland adversaries but were unable to do so despite plenty of good chances. The hosts dominated the first half with Jai Quitongo, Kris Doolan and Blair Spittal all unable to convert decent opportunities before the travelling Caley side took the lead on 71 minutes as Tom Walsh curled home a right-footed effort from 25 yards. Blair Spittal missed a penalty and Aidan Fitzpatrick had a sight of goal in the final 15 minutes as Thistle’s frustrations continued right up until the final whistle. Following the end of the match, Gary Caldwell spoke to ptfc.co.uk to discuss the 90 minutes:
“It’s a very frustrating one obviously. I said to the players that I was proud of the way they played. I want to see them playing with that energy and desire and they provided that today.
“While we’re still bitterly disappointed about the result, compared to where we were last Saturday, it’s progress and we have to build on that.”
Despite the defeat, Gary was happy with the team’s performance overall and thought that there were individuals who really stepped up their game.
“We’ve worked through the week on trying to lift spirits because last Saturday’s loss was a really tough one and I think you could see in the performance that players were fighting for each other.
“Some players were excellent individually and we need to carry that forward into next week’s game because at the end of the day, we’ve lost again and that’s not good enough.”
With another game gone, the Jags now slip into ninth after 13 games and the gaffer says the players are under no illusions; the results need to come and they need to come soon.
“I knew when I took the job that it was going to be tough and that’s exactly what it’s been. The run that this Club has been on for the last few months, it was always going to take time to turn it around but I saw progress today. There was a change in spirit, a change in attitude and that’s something that we have to do each and every week.”
A more in depth video interview with Gary Caldwell is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Niall Keown and Blair Spittal – log in now to see them.
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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.
It's a seventh straight loss for Thistle who are a shade unlucky to go down to a single goal defeat.
Thistle were the better side first half. Inverness the better side after the break.
The only goal came after 70 minutes when Tom Walsh's curling effort beat Bell who got a hand to the ball but couldn't keep it out.
Five minutes later Thistle missed a glorious chance to equalise when Blair Spittal had his penalty saved by Ridgers after rewferee Kirkland spotted a handball inside the box.
Welsh lashes a shot wide.
McGinty swings a boot at Slater's corner before Spittal has a shot blocked.
Fitzpatrick has a great chance to level things up but his shot is poor and he drags the ball wide.
Penrice lobs a tame cross into the waiting arms of Ridgers.
Slater's cross from the left goes straight out for a goal kick. Time running out on Thistle.
Ridgers saves Spittal's penalty and Doolan's effort from the rebound.
The ball strikes a hand and Thistle have a penalty.
it's a great curl;ing effort from Walsh that Bell gets a hand to but can't keep out. Inverness have been the better side second half.
An effort from Chalmers flies across the face of the Thistle goal after good work from Polworth and Doran.
That's a booking that comes under the heading of 'taking one for the team'.
Thistle are under serious pressure at the moment but Bell pushes the corner away but is fouled any way in the process.
Bell gets a strong hand to the ball to keep Chalmers' free kick out.
Inverness win a free kick about a yard outside the Thistle box and marginally right of centre.
Inverness work a short corner and when the ball is delivered into the box Thistle are rooted to the spot as McKay nods a good chance wide of target.
Fitzpatrick has been sent out for a warm up so we could be seeing a Thistle sub soon.
Thistle are pressing and twice Storey sees crosses blocked by a defender.
Welsh and Chalmers stand over the free kick. The latter takes it and it goes a foot or so over Bell's crossbar.
Bannigan is harshly penalised for a foul and free kick have a free kick from about 35 yards out although they've already managed to pinch a yard or two as the ref spoke to Bannigan.
Inverness aren't far away from taking the lead from the second of two quick corners as McKay's header goes over the bar.
Storey lifts a cross towards the back post but Doolan is unable to get on the end of it and the ball drifts out of play for throw on the far side.
Slater's corner is headed clear.
Goalless at the break but a decent game so far and a good Thistle display.
Qutongo forced Ridgers into a save when he might have done better and Doolan twice sent efforts narrowly wide of goal.
Inverness at the other end have been a threat too with Slater producing a great block to stop a Welsh effort that looked net bound.
Slater looks as if he might have mishit his corner but it falls to Spittal whose shot is blocked by a defender. Thistle keep the pressure on before the ball finally goes out for a goal kick.
Inverness push forward down the right. Walsh passes to Oakley but when Oakley return the ball to him he finds Walsh in an offside position.
Trafford's challenge on Slater earns him the game's first booking.
Slater is right in the thick of things at the moment and he does a great job in preventing Imverness from having a clear look at the Thistle goal from inside the box and directly in front of goal.
Slater's corner is well defended but Thistle and Slater get the ball back. This time his cross finds Doolan who turns sharply before shooting wide.
Slater makes a great block to stop a Welsh shot that looked as if it might have been net bound.
A promising Thistle attack is halted by an offside flag after Penrice looked to get caught late in the build up.
Walsh's shot is pushed away by Bell before Penrice completes the clearance. Best opportunity yet for the away team who are building up a head of steam.
Polworth again takes the free kick but Keown and then McGinty get the ball clear.
inverness have a free kick near the left hand corner of the Thistle box. Bit wider than the last one but still a dangerous position.
Spittal gets the ball ontop his right foot a yard or so outside the Inverness box but his shot is always on the rise and doesn't test Ridgers.
Slater's free kick is thumped clear by McCart.
Elliott is hauled down as he tries to get clear down the right hand side and Thistle have a free kick near the touchline.
Thistle are the closest yet to a goal and it all comes from a great Spittal run. His final ball finds Doolan inside the box and his shot goes just wide.
Polworth tries to catch Bell out at his near post but the Thistle keeper saves low near his right hand post.
Inverness free kick right at the left hand corner of the Thistle box.
Slater aims the free kick towards the back post. It's cleared but picked up by Storey who finds McGinty who is unlucky not to win Thistle a corner.
Thistle have a free kick deep inside the Inverness half.
Quitongo sees his effort blocked right at the edge of the penalty box.
Walsh curls the free kick left footed right on top of Bell who punches clear before the referee blows for a foul on the Thistle keeper.
Inverness have a free kick wide on the right hand side in line with the corner of the Thistle box.
McGinty powers forward but his shot from fully 35 yards out trundles well wide of goal.
A Slater cross is headed clear. Thistle are firmly on the front foot at the moment.
Quitongo and Doolan see shots blocked in quick succession as Thistle put Inverness under some pressure.
Good chance for Thistle. Spittal plays the ball forward quickly to Doolan. Doolan does really well to get the ball into the path of Quitongo whose shot is saved by Ridgers.
A dangerous looking Storey cross is headed away before it reaches Doolan.
Walsh plays a low ball into the Thistle box but there is nobidy to get on the end of it and Bell gathers.
It's been quite an open first few minutes.
There's a wee opportunity for Spittal at the edge of the Inverness box after he collects a pass from Quitongo but he drags his shot wide of goal.
Stuart Bannigan takes an early knock but although the physio is quickly waved on he's back on his feet quickly and looks okay.
With Thistle desperately needing a positive resuklt manager Gary Caldwell makes one change to the side that started last weekend at Morton.
Out of the starting eleven drops Brice Ntambwe and in comes Kris Doolan.