SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 11 March, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
Firhill Stadium, Glasgow
Matchday Information:
HOME Ticket prices:
Adults: £22
Concessions (Over 65s, students, disabled supporter including carer): £15
Under 16s: FREE (£5 away)
After the disappointment of being knocked out of the Scottish Cup on Sunday afternoon the Thistle camp could perhaps be forgiven for not being in the best spirits this week but there was no sign of that as a confident Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk to preview Saturday’s massive Ladbrokes Premiership match with Inverness.
Archibald said: “It’s a massive six pointer for us. We have spoken to the lads and they all know how big an opportunity it is. We were extremely disappointed to go out of the Scottish Cup on Sunday but this is a chance to put that behind us with a really positive result.
“It’s a bit similar to the last game we had the last time just in terms of league position and where we are in the table but it’s a chance for us to open up a big gap. It really is a huge game.”
Only an outstanding save from an Azeez shot prevented the Jags taking all three points the last time the two sides met and Archie hopes his side can go one better this time around.
“The last time we met it was quite tight but we probably had the better of the chances. We probably deserved to win based on our quality of play but they had changed things and brought in a couple of players so it wasn’t necessarily quite that simple. Recently they have looked more like the old Inverness. I know they’re bottom of the league but they are a team that is starting to play with a bit of confidence and you have we have to be ready for them.
“We’re back at home again so the onus will be on us to cause the problems. We put it on the lads to go out and improve our home form and they’ve done that with back to back wins so we need to continue that. Every game is going to be harder than the one before just because of how much is at stake.
“We picked up a few knocks against Aberdeen so we need to focus on recovery this week but the boys are ready and raring to go and they are desperate to put things right following the disappointment of the cup game. For all it was disappointing to go out of the cup we now have to focus on our league form.”
A win for Thistle on Saturday could see the Maryhill men stretch their lead over Caley to 13 points but Archibald’s ambitions stretch beyond simply avoiding the drop.
“We want to extend the gap between us and the bottom teams and really drive for that top half. It’s in our own hands at the moment but there are a few teams that all have that same ambition so I know their managers won’t be letting up in any way shape or form – it’s dog eat dog.”
After a hard fought 90 minutes on a heavy Pittodrie pitch there were a few players clearly struggling as the referee blew for full time on Sunday but the Jags boss is confident he will have close to a full squad when he selects his side to face the Highlanders.
“We’re carrying a few knocks from Sunday but we’ll give everyone every chance to play on Saturday because consistency has been all important in our recent good run. Danny Devine and Christie Elliott both picked up knocks but they’re recovering well so we’re still hopeful. There are one or two who are managing injuries as well but they should be fine.”
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is now available to Jagzone subscribers. Log in now to see it. Jagzone members will also be able to watch highlights of the game from midnight.
Can’t make Firhill? Jagzone World members (outside the UK and Ireland) can watch the game live – the stream is also available on a PPV basis. Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match.
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Saturday’s match will also be available on a pay per view basis, details of which can be found here.
Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk
Following their disappointing exit from the William Hill Scottish Cup at the hands of Aberdeen last weekend, Partick Thistle returned to league action as they continue their push towards a top six finish. The Jags had won their previous three league fixtures in a row without conceding. On the other hand, the Caley Jags hadn’t kept a clean sheet since the 28th of January when these two sides last met in a goalless draw.
Alan Archibald made two changes to the side that started against Aberdeen on Sunday. Danny Devine, who picked up a knock against the Dons, didn’t make the squad and was replaced by Steven Lawless as the Jags altered their formation. Mustapha Dumbuya also came into the side in the place of Christie Elliott who dropped to the bench. With Devine missing Thistle were forced to change the formation from the 3-5-2 that has been so effective in recent games back to the 4-2-3-1 that has served them well in the past.
Kris Doolan got the game underway but it would be the visitors who had the first chance. Greg Tansey was given the ball in the Inverness midfield inside two minutes and immediately looked to shoot. He took aim but fired a strong shot wide of the near post.
After that, there was not much joy for the Highlanders. The home side dominated the midfield battle and had the majority of possession.
After 17 minutes, the Jags had their first opportunity. Callum Booth had space on the left and whipped a dangerous ball in looking for Kris Doolan. Owain Fon-Williams punched the cross partially clear but it fell to Ryan Edwards who tried to score on the follow-up. The Australian looked to slam it home on the half-volley but he horribly miscued his shot and sent the attempt high and wide.
After a promising start to the game, Thistle were dealt a major blow in the 29th minute. Jags skipper Abdul Osman went down off the ball and seemed to be suffering from a muscle injury. Although he returned to the pitch after receiving treatment, he didn’t last long and eventually had to be replaced by David Amoo in the 32nd minute. Without Osman on the pitch, Kris Doolan was given the captain’s armband.
Just as the Jags were settling into their slightly rejigged formation, they were served another injury blow. Steven Lawless came off worse from a 50-50 challenge and went down holding his knee. The wide midfielder also had to be replaced with Ade Azeez coming on.
While down to 10-men, waiting for Ade Azeez to be allowed onto the pitch, the hosts should have taken the lead. Mustapha Dumbuya made an excellent run, reaching the by-line, and cut the ball back for Kris Doolan. The striker swung a leg at the ball, with the whole goal to aim at, but only kicked the air and the ball was cleared.
It was almost a disastrous end to the half for Thistle when the Caley Jags had the ball in the back of the net. While still waiting for the substitution, there was a mix-up in the Jags’ defence and Henri Anier picked the ball up inside the area. He shot low at goal and it beat Tomas Cerny, however, unfortunately for Caley Thistle, the goal was disallowed as Billy McKay was offside in Cerny’s line of sight and it was chalked off.
That would be all for the first half. The Jags had started well, with a lot of possession, but were evidently shaken by the two injuries. Chances were scarce in the opening 45 with the disallowed goal the main talking point.
It took just nine minutes for the second half to present an opening. Kris Doolan was fed the ball and made his way into the box. The marksman then shot across goal but Owain Fon-Williams touched it past the far post.
Just two minutes after that chance, the home side took the lead. After a couple of deep crosses came to nothing, Ryan Edwards collected the ball on the right side of the Caley box. The midfielder then fired a cross down the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ which Kris Doolan got on the end tapping home from close range making it 1-0. This brought the forward to 99 competitive goals for the Jags as he moves ever closer to the 100 mark.
On the hour, Inverness had a chance to equalise. Liam Lindsay’s defensive header bounced in the direction of David Raven who then acrobatically volleyed towards goal but the attempt flashed wide of the near post.
With 68 minutes gone, Owain Fon-Williams kept his side in the game. Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine engaged in some terrific interplay in the attacking third. The latter then delivered a low cross towards the centre. The pass ricocheted off two defenders and then went towards goal but Fon-Williams got a strong hand to it and the danger was eventually cleared.
With 12 minutes to go of the regulation 90, the Jags had another opportunity to double the lead. On the counter, Chris Erskine tried to find David Amoo but the pass was intercepted. Luckily for the hosts, it sat up well for Ade Azeez and the striker volleyed at goal. However, the shot was too central and Fon-Williams was able to save easily.
In the closing stages of the game a tired looking Chris Erskine was replaced by Christie Elliott.
As the minutes dwindled down, it looked as if the three points were in the bag but it wasn’t to be. Billy King found space on the right and moved infield before lifting a cross to the back post. Cerny couldn’t claim it and Gary Warren was the first to the ball. The Caley skipper then headed low past Tomas Cerny to make it level with the last attack of the game.
The game would end 1-0 which was a poor reflection of the 90 minutes. Inverness offered very little going forward and had been absolutely dominated in the midfield for most of the match, however, the two sides shared the points. The Jags remained in the top six after the draw, sitting two points above Kilmarnock in seventh.
It is Killie who Thistle face next on Saturday 18th of March with kick-off at 15:00 as the Jags look to cement their place in the top six.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, Dumbuya, Keown, Lindsay, Booth, Osman (Amoo, 32’), Barton, Lawless (Azeez, 42’), Edwards, Erskine (Elliott, 89’), Doolan.
THISTLE SUB (N/U): Ridgers, McCarthy, Lamont, Nisbet.
INVERNESS C.T. TEAM: Fon-Williams, Raven, McCart, Laing, Warren, Brad McKay, Tansey, Vigurs (Cole, 81’), Polworth (King, 62’), Anier (Boden, 81’), Billy McKay.
INVERNESS C.T. SUBS (N/U): Hoban, McNaughton, Ebbe, Fisher.
Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk
Having won their last three consecutive league games, Partick Thistle would have been looking to extend that run against Inverness and, until the final seconds of today’s clash, it looked as if they would do so. However, it wasn’t to be and Gary Warren scored a late equaliser to cancel out Kris Doolan’s opener.
The goal was a difficult one to take for the Jags but despite the late stinger, they remain in the top six for the time being. After the match Thistle boss, Alan Archibald, spoke to ptfc.co.uk to offer his views on the day’s game.
The gaffer addressed the equaliser first and Archie was disappointed to see his side lose a late goal, a habit that his team seemed to have eradicated from their game before today.
“It was something we were doing early on in the season and it’s a shame to see it happen again. We had done the hard bit; scored the goal. We had a lot of the ball in the first half but I think the forced substitutions hurt our game substantially and certainly hurt our flow. We should have seen the game out. We looked comfortable enough but we have got to stop the cross coming into the box late on.”
Archibald thought that after opening the scoring his side should have been able to keep their opponents at bay.
“As I’ve said, the difficult part was scoring. Inverness were hard to play against today with their three centre-halves and it was really difficult to get in behind them. However, we did that, we got the goal but we have to see the game out. It was a simple throw-in and a simple cross, at the end of the day, and they threw everything at us in the final minutes and they got their goal.”
The Jags boss recognises that today was a missed opportunity to put some space between his side and the bottom six.
“It was a massive game and we should have won. Every game is huge at this stage of the season. Our rival teams are playing each other and the win would have put some daylight between us and the bottom half but it wasn’t to be in the end.”
Archie was pleased with the performance of David Amoo, who was thrust into the game earlier than expected when Abdul Osman was forced off with an injury.
“I thought he gave us a different dimension when he got going. He was very much in the game in the second half and I felt that he and Ade Azeez both played well off the bench.”
The Thistle manager also gave a brief update on Abdul Osman and Steven Lawless who both had to come off in the first half after suffering injuries.
“We’re not sure yet, concerning the full extent of the injuries. Abdul could feel his hamstring but I think we got him off before any serious damage was done so we hope he’ll be alright. Steven Lawless took a hit on the knee so fingers crossed that he’ll be fine as well.”
It is Kilmarnock who Thistle face next as they continue their quest for a top half finish on Saturday 18th of March at Rugby Park with kick-off at 15:00.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Ade Azeez and Niall Keown. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
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Article Copyright © 2017. Permission to use quotations from this article online is only granted subject to appropriate source credit and hyperlink to ptfc.co.uk.
Sat 11 March, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Firhill Stadium, Glasgow
Thistle are denied what would have been a richly deserved win when Gary Warren headed home a cross from Billy King. There was barely time to restart the game after Warren's header broke Thistle hearts.
Thistle had dominated the first half without creating clear cut chances but looked set to collect another vital 3 points when Kris Doolan converted Ryan Edwards cross 10 minutes into the second half.
While a draw isn't an awful result it feels like a defeat right now.
King's pinpoint cross is headed home at the back post by Warren.
Man of the Match: Kris Doolan
Minimum of 2 minutes additional time to be played.
Standing ovation for Erskine as he comes off.
Amoo once more threatens down the right but Azeez is unable to convert his cross.
Another long range effort from Tansey. This time the ball goes over the crossbar.
Tansey hits a free kick from fully 35 yards out. It's on target but it poses no problems for Cerny.
Some excellent play again from Amoo on the right but Fon-Williams is able to reach and grab his cross.
Action races from one end of the park to another. Inverness work a short corner and that nearly catches Thistle out but Cerny claws the ball away. Thistle quickly break through Erskine and Azeez sees his shot saved by Fon-Williams.
Dumbuya's headed clearance is gathered by Doolan who tries to set up Azeez at the edge of the box but he finds himself crowded out.
Amoo does really well down the right and his dangerous cross is cleared before it can reach Azeez.
Doolan's header from Erskine's corner goes over the bar by a yard or so.
Thistle are looking a bit jittery and nervous at the back but the ball is safely in the arms of Cerny.
Thistle nearly grab a second when an Inverness player inadvertently diverts ther ball towards his own goal and it takes a super stop from Fon-Williams to keep the ball out.
Great catch from Cerny after Inverness win two corners in rapid succession.
Booth's excellent cross from the left causes panic inside the Inverness box but Thistle are unable to profit from it.
Despite a full stretch Azeez can't direct an Amoo cross goalwards.
Raven isn't too far away from equalising for Inverness with a snap shot from the left corner of the box that goes just wide.
Thistle are in front and who else could the scorer be other than a bang in form Kris Doolan. He sticks out a leg to direct an Edwards cross into the back of the net. That's 99 for Doolan in his Thistle career but more importantly 1-0 this afternoon.
Tansey's long range effort sails over the Thistle crossbar.
Close for Thistle when Doolan's shot, with a slight deflection, just goes wide.
It's a poor corner from Erskine who doesn't get enough height on the ball and Inverness clear at the front post.
Amoo looks to be fouled at the right corner of the Inverness box but play restarts with an Inverness goal kick.
An Early second half attack from Thistle is halted by the referee spotting an infringement at the edge of the box and Inverness have a free kick.
It's goalless at the break with Thistle much the better side but frustratingly they haven't made Fon-Williams in the Inverness goal work too hard.
The Thistle cause hasn't been helped any by first half injuries to Abdul Osman and Stevie Lawless although they have been in control for much of the opening 45 minutes..
Inverness did, however, have the ball in the net as half-time approached but a somewhat delayed flag halted their celebrations after Anier had found the net.
Amoo crosses and Doolan twists his head to reach it but his header is too close to Fon-Williams.
Minimum of 3 minutes additional time.
Erskine's corner is cleared before Doolan is harshly adjudged to have fouled at the edge of the box.
An Erskine shot is blocked at the edge of the box.
Inverness think they've scored as Anier puts the ball in the net. To be fair most people think they have too but the flag goes up for offside.
Too much pace this time on Dumbuya's crosds as Thistle wait for a break in play to make a change.
Dumbuya's cut back from the right falls behind Doolan.
Thistle down to 10 at the moment with Lawless off the pitch. Thistle look set to make a second change.
Inverness knock the ball out of play for Lawless, who looks in a bit of pain, to receive some treatment.
Amoo's first involvement in the game sees him skip away from Raven but he over runs the ball and it goes out for a goal kick.
Osman, who received a spot of treatment a minute or so ago, is down again. He looks to be struggling.
Another decent corner from Erskine but Inverness again clear.
Erskine isn't quite able to collect Doolan's clever flick on.
Warren gets up to head Booth's cross away from Doolan.
Fon-Williams makes a good catch from an Edwards cross from the right.
There are shouts for a Thistle penalty as Doolan looks to be held inside the box.
His trip on an advancing Erskine earns him the game's first yellow card.
Thistle are a little exposed after Booth is robbed of the ball in the Inverness half. The ball is played down that flank for Anier to chase and his cross is blocked by Keown.
Erskine's through ball for Doolan is too strong and is gathered by Fon-Williams.
Lawless does well on the left. He gets the ball to Booth whose cross, aimed for Doolan, is pushed away by Fon-Williams. The ball falls to Edwards who skies a shot over the bar.
Dumbuya makes a good challenge near the corner flag to get the ball away from an overlapping Raven.
Thistle are on top at the moment but Dumbuya wastes an opportunity with a poor cross from the right.
It's another decent corner from Erskine that Inverness struggle to get clear.
Thistle are playing with a good tempo and a Lawless shot strikes a defender.
Erskine's corner is able to find Lindsay but the ball slides off the defender's head and away from goal.
A Barton shot is half blocked and spins out to Doolan whose cross is blocked.
Barton lifts a ball over the top of the Inverness defence for Doolan to chase. The ball just won't sit for Doolan and that allows Inverness to clear.
Erskine chips the free kick towards the back post but the referee spots a push and Inverness have a free kick.
Lawless is caught late and Thistle have a free kick midway inside the Inverness half.
First shot at goal comes for Inverness but Tansey's effort from 20 yards out goes wide of Cerny's right hand post.
It's back to league action for Thistle this afternoon with Inverness the visitors to Firhill.
Alan Archibald's team selection shows two changes from the side that started against Aberdeen 6 days ago.
Mustapha Dumbuya and Steven Lawless come in to start this game with Christie Elliott dropping to the bench while Danny Devine, for the second time this season, misses out on featuring against his previous team.
On a youthful looking bench there is a slot for Mark Lamont.