SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 15 April, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Supporter Information:
Tickets on sale: SOLD OUT
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 13.50
Station Bar – 14.00
Non members welcome.
For seats call Duncan 07979496154 or e-mail
Jordanhill Branch:
The Jordanhill Branch will not run a bus to this fixture.
North-West Branch:
The North-West Branch will not run a bus to this fixture.
After securing a top six finish with victory over Motherwell on Saturday, Partick Thistle are now faced with a trip to Ibrox as they try to end a near 24-year winless period against the Gers. The Jags are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run which has included a win against Hearts and a draw at Celtic Park so Thistle won’t be fearing a trip to the Scottish Cup semi-finalists.
Thistle are safe from relegation worries but still have something to play for as Hearts sit just three points ahead of the Jags with a game against the Jambos still to come. So, a win at Ibrox would help massively in the chase for fifth. Thistle’s Assistant Manager, Scott Paterson, spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the game to give his thoughts on the weekend’s fixture.
Paterson firstly mentioned the great news regarding the announcement of plans to build a new training centre for Partick Thistle’s youth, women’s and senior sides.
“It was great to secure our top six spot but obviously, the news of the new training ground is excellent and it’s been a great week for the club as a whole. For a club like Partick Thistle it’s something that will benefit us hugely and hopefully we can kick on from here.”
Scott was also adamant that the players and management staff aren’t in holiday mode with fifth spot still up for grabs.
“Our season doesn’t end with six games left. It’s something that we have discussed with the players as well. We’re looking to catch Hearts and all we can do is win games and put pressure on them. The split allows us to stop looking down and we have our sights on Hearts now. To keep up the pressure we have to get results and that starts on Saturday where we’ll be looking for a performance from the boys.”
The assistant manager was also very clear that the top six finish and new training facilities will make player recruitment much easier for himself and Archie.
“It makes it much easier, no doubt about it. Hopefully with the news of the new grounds and our top half spot, we will be able to attract better players. Despite that, the budget still matters and the club doesn’t go crazy, spending money for fun. We’re well run here and we try to be realistic with our aims. We can’t suddenly buy two or three marquee players but at the end of the day it always comes down to whether we can find the right player for us and what we’re looking for.”
Scott Paterson was also aware that although the club can look at players earlier this summer, most of the squad are contracted for next season at least,
“Most of the lads are already signed up. There are two or three that the manager is speaking to but that’s the benefit of securing safety early on. We can now plan well in advance for next season but it’s fantastic to be safe with six games left to play as we haven’t always had that luxury.”
Paterson is hopeful that the new training ground will impress current players and give them a desire to be a part of a growing club.
“I think it’s a sign of where the club is heading. Myself and Archie, we’ve always spoke about how good it would be to have our own training ground. We told the players on Tuesday, just before the news came out and they all thought that it was a wind up, so it’s something that they’re all impressed by in terms of the ambition of the club and it might entice them to stay longer than they may have otherwise.”
Scott Paterson and manager, Alan Archibald, take their Thistle side to Ibrox on Saturday as they look to continue to pile the pressure on fifth place Hearts. Kick-off for that game is 15:00.
An 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.
Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match.
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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
After the securing of a top six spot on Saturday against Motherwell, Partick Thistle travelled to Ibrox to try to close the gap between the Jags and Hearts, who sit in fifth place. The Maryhill men were on an eight game unbeaten run in the league but had failed to take any points from Rangers in two attempts so far this season, losing 2-1 and 2-0 earlier in the campaign. The hosts are still chasing Aberdeen in second place, so both teams still had plenty to play for.
Alan Archibald made two changes to the side who started against Motherwell last time out. Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine dropped to the bench after a week of injury-hampered training. David Amoo and Ade Azeez replaced them in the starting line-up. Daniel Devine captained the side and interestingly, played in midfield alongside Adam Barton.
The game got off to a timid start as neither team could create anything resembling incisive play until the 17th minute when Kenny Miller was played in behind the Jags defence. The veteran striker got on the end of a lofted through ball and moved into the box but Miller took too long on the ball and saw a shot blocked and the ball cleared.
After the opening chance, opportunities began to present themselves more regularly. At 24 minutes in, Myles Beerman advanced from his left back position and found some space to shoot. Beerman’s shot took a slight deflection and skipped just wide of the post as Rangers upped their attacking threat. The resultant corner was eventually cleared but only as far as Jon Toral, who attempts a 40 yard half-volley but his shot flies off target.
Toral had another opportunity to shoot in the 29th minute. After receiving the ball, he cut past Ryan Edwards, onto his left foot, and shot at goal but the ball flew ten yards over the bar. Five minutes later, Myles Beerman had another shot on goal. The full back came forward and shot towards the far corner of Tomas Cerny’s goal. Before it got too far, Niall Keown got his head to it and turned the ball over the bar.
A minute after Beerman’s chance, Cerny was forced into a great save. A corner, taken from just in front of the away support, found Danny Wilson in the box. The Gers’ number six headed at goal but unfortunately for the centre-half, Cerny was equal to it.
With six minutes to go until half time it looked as if the game would be going into the interval without a goal but Kenny Miller changed that in the 39th minute. James Tavernier ran down the Rangers right wing and swung a deep cross towards Miller. The marksman got his head to the delivery and directed the ball back across goal, beating Tomas Cerny and making it 1-0.
Although the first half had been a very one-sided affair, Thistle almost drew level before the break. Ade Azeez received the ball on the edge of the box and slotted Ryan Edwards into the box, behind the Gers’ backline. The Australian was at a very tight angle but tried the shot anyway. His attempt flashed across goas with Wes Foderingham turning the ball away.
That’s how things stayed as the game entered the half time break. Rangers had been utterly dominant for the most part with Thistle rarely showing their class. Myles Beerman offered a threat coming forward from defence while the guile of Kenny Miller was causing the Jags defensive unit all sorts of problems.
Early in the second half, Thistle made their first change as David Amoo was replaced by Chris Erskine with Alan Archibald looking to add some more creativity to his team.
Unfortunately for the visitors, the substitution wouldn’t stop Rangers from doubling their lead. After a contentious throw-in decision, Emerson Hyndman used some quick feet and smart turns to manoeuvre through the challenges of men in red and yellow. He then laid it to Jon Toral who turned it home from close range, doubling the hosts’ lead. Immediately following the goal, Kris Doolan was brought on for Ade Azeez.
In the 62nd minute, the home side had an excellent chance to make it three. Martyn Waghorn was played through on goal with an opportunity to take a free shot. He attempted to slot it low, past Tomas Cerny but the Czech ‘stopper got down brilliantly to block, keeping the score at 2-0.
Cerny was forced into another great save with 21 minutes remaining of the regulation 90. The ball was played to Kenny Miller on the edge of the Thistle area and he tried to curl a shot home at the near post. The attempt looked destined to find the net but Tomas Cerny got a strong hand to it and turned it behind. Four minutes later, Thistle made their final substitution with Kevin Nisbet replacing Steven Lawless.
The substitute Nisbet almost got the away side back into the game with 13 minutes to go. Following some quality build-up play, the ball was lifted in towards Kevin Nisbet. The young forward took a touch and shot but couldn’t find the target from a difficult angle.
As the game entered three minutes of added time, it was clear that Thistle wouldn’t be able to salvage anything but Rangers were still on the hunt for a third and in what was the final action of the game, they almost did. An Andy Halliday shot from the edge of the 18-yard box was saved by Cerny and the rebound fell to Joe Garner. The former Preston attacker then tried to beat the ‘keeper but Cerny made another great save just before the referee blew his whistle.
It was a disappointing end to a terrific run of form for the Jags but all is not lost. With top six secured, the Maryhill men still sit just four points behind Hearts with five games to play. They also have another game against Rangers at Firhill to try to end the winless run against the Gers once again.
Thistle are next in action against Hearts at Tynecastle in a fortnight. Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday the 29th of April.
THISTLE TEAM: Cerny, Dumbuya, Keown, Lindsay, Elliott, Devine, Barton, Edwards, Lawless (Nisbet, 73’), Amoo (Erskine, 49’), Azeez (Doolan, 56’).
THISTLE SUBS (N/U): Ridgers, McCarthy, Lamont, McLaughlin.
RABGERS TEAM: Foderingham, Tavernier, Bates, D. Wilson, Beerman, Holt, Toral (Halliday, 84’), Hyndman, Miller, McKay (Dodoo, HT), Waghorn (Garner, 75’).
RANGERS SUBS (N/U): Alnwick, Hodson, A. Wilson, Windass.
After eight league games unbeaten in a row, Partick Thistle travelled to Ibrox to take on Rangers in an attempt to extend that impressive run of form. In the teams’ previous two meetings this season, the Gers had come out on top twice, once at Ibrox and once at Firhill. Unfortunately for the Maryhill men, it was more of the same as Rangers ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Kenny Miller and Jon Toral. It was a disheartening end to a great couple of months for the Jags and Thistle boss Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk to give his verdict of the day’s clash.
First and foremost, Archie expressed his disappointment with the uncharacteristically poor performance of his side on the day.
“I was frustrated with the level of performance. I won’t take anything away from Rangers, they were good but we were really poor today. We made it easy for them today, apart from the first 20 minutes because we competed with them for that time. I think that it showed that we didn’t have many guys training during the week, that was very evident.”
The gaffer was also not happy with the fact that his side didn’t show the same fight as they did before securing a top six spot.
“It probably looked like the lads were on holiday which was what we’ve been working to avoid. They looked like strangers on the pitch, our ball retention was poor and even though the boys worked extremely hard, the play wasn’t good enough when we had the ball.”
Despite the team’s poor display at Ibrox, Archibald is still optimistic that his side will come back after a short break with motivation and improved fitness.
“A few teams that have made top six in recent years have just let the season fizzle out and although we know that we face some tough fixtures, we want to be competitive against these top sides. We must improve our results against the league’s best sides.”
Although the Jags boss was critical of his side, he also reminded everyone that Thistle were at a disadvantage due to injury problems through the week.
“We only had 10 players training until yesterday. Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine were able to join in at the end of the week but the injuries really did hamper our preparation for the game and allowed us less time to work on set-up during the week.”
Archie is hopeful that a two week break between now and his team’s next fixture will give them time to heal up and recuperate.
“We can give the boys some time off now. We like to think that the break should let most of the boys heal and will help get rid of those niggling injuries we’ve got throughout the squad. We’ll need everyone fit for the massive game with Hearts, after the split kicks in.”
The Jags boss was also appreciative of the travelling Thistle support who stayed past the final whistle to clap the team off the pitch.
“There were only two real positives today. The fans and Tomas Cerny’s performance. If it wasn’t for Tomas, the score could have been much higher but the fans were great as well. We appreciate the support and their backing has been fantastic all season.
Thistle return to action in a fortnight’s time at Tynecastle on Saturday the 29th of April with kick-off at 15:00.
A full game replay and extended highlights will be added shortly, both 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 © 2017. 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 deserved win for Rangers who score in either half to earn a 2-0.
Best player for Thistle, who just never really got going this afternoon, was goalkeeper Tomas Cerny who produced a number of excellent stops.
Great stop from Cerny, who has comfortably been the Thistle Man of the Match right at the finish.
Minimum of 3 additional minutes to be played.
Thistle look in vain for a corner kick as the game drifts to a conclusion.
Nisbet's low free kick is easily cleared.
Erskine forces Foderingham into a decent save. A Thistle goal might make things interesting.
Dodoo's shot trickles through to Cerny.
Decent wee spell from Thistle but Nisbet is flagged for offside at the edge of the Rangers box.
The ball is played up to the feet of Nisbet inside the box. He turns put sends his shot wide of goal.
Play is halted for Cerny to receive some treatment.
Another good stop from Cerny this time keeping out Miller's well placed shot from the edge of the box.
Erskine does lift the ball into the Rangers box but it is far far too close to the goalkeeper.
Thistle have a free kick midway inside the Rangers half so a chance to get the ball into the box.
Nearly a third for Rangers. Toral pushes the ball into the path of Waghorn to his right and it takes a good stop from Cerny to keep the ball out.
It's far too easy for Rangers as they cut open the Thistle defence before Toral places a shot past Cerny.
Erskine's near post corner is headed clear.
Cerny is well placed to stop a Hyndman effort from the edge of the box.
Thistle are close to an equaliser. Azeez finds Edwards whose shot is tipped away by Foderingham.
Thistle try to hit back quickly but an Azeez shot hits off a defender
It's been coming for sometime and Rangers eventually take the lead. It's a cross from the right that Miller has far too much space to get on the end of it and guide a header into the back of the net.
Amoo is able to advance into the Rangers box but is closed down quickly before giving away a needless foul.
Cerny quickly involved in the action again this time coming off his line to gather a Miller header.
Cerny does really well to push away a powerful Toral header.
Toral's shot from the edge of the box is cleared by Dumbuya close to the Thistle goal line.
Beerman again has too much space and again sees a shot deflected wide of target for a corner.
Toral is able to find a little space about 25 yards from the Thistle goal but lifts his shot harmlessly over the crossbar.
Amoo puts a good cross in from the right but it is too high for Lawless.
A Devine error nearly hands Rangers an opportunity but Waghorn can do little more than run the ball out of play for a Thistle goal kick.
Edwards flicks the ball on for Azeez but the flag goes up for offside against the Thistle striker.
Beerman is allowed to advance far too far unchallenged and his shot deflects off Dumbuya and goes wide for the game's first corner.
Barton is caught in possession and is happy to see play stopped for an infringement on him as Waghorn broke clear.
Amoo plays a ball to the back post. Azeez is able to twist his body and head back across towards goal but the ball goes behind Edwards.
Amoo's cross comes off a defender but Foderingham is able to gather before it goes behind for a corner.
Miller shows a good touch to gather the ball inside the Thistle box but he has to turn away from goal and his eventual shot hits a defender taking all the pace off it.
Lindsay comes forward as Thistle win a free kick inside the Rangers half.
Thistle under a bit of pressure for the first time and after some pretty frantic and hurried defending they get the ball clear.
Still fairly scrappy although Thistle do look as if they might get some joy down the right flank.
Neither side has properly settled into the game yet.
Positive start from Thistle as Amoo finds space on the right but his cross looking for Azeez is headed clear.
With a top six place secured last weekend Thistle go into the last fixture prior to the split knowing that a win this afternoon would take then to within just a single point of Hearts in fifth place.
In the hope of doing just that Alan Archibald has made two changes from the side that defeated Motherwell seven days ago. Into the starting eleven come David Amoo and Ade Azeez while Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine occupy positions on the substitute bench.