SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership
Sat 9 September, 2017. Kick Off: - 15:00
Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Supporter Information:
Admission Details:
Partick Thistle supporters will be accommodated in the North East Extension with prices as follows:
Adult – £24
Concession(over 65/student): £14
Under 18: £5
Disabled & Carer – £14
Supporters’ Buses:
City Centre Branch:
Pick ups:
Q Club – 8:50
Station Bar – 9:00
Non members welcome.
Please call 07979496154 or email to book.
Jordanhill Branch:
Pick ups:
Jordanhill Station – 09:00
Thornwood Bar – 09:05
Prices:
£25 for adults
£15 for concessions
All Jags fans are welcome but booking is essential.
For seats please contact Alistair on 07817612563 or email
For general enquires please contact Iain on 07779668357 or email
Jordanhill Branch Membership Information:
Jordanhill Branch Membership covers all published pre-split Ladbrokes Premiership league away games, except the visit to Ibrox where no bus will run.
Members will benefit from reduced rates for any away cup games.
As in previous seasons, membership can be paid in one installment or over the course of the season. However, we appeal for consistent payments as the buses require to be paid for on each away match day.
Membership costs are as follows:
Adult – £200
Student/Retired/Unemployed – £115
School Attenders – £80
Parent & Child – £240
For more information please contact Iain at
North-West Branch:
Pick ups:
Milngavie Station – 09:00
Esquire House – 09:20
Maryhill Community Halls – 09:30
Prices:
£25 for adults
£15 for concessions.
For seats non-members should e-mail
North-West Branch Membership Information:
Non-members intending to travel regularly should consider joining the North-West since the benefits are considerable.
The North-West will run a bus to every away Betfred Cup, Ladbrokes Premiership and Scottish Cup fixture played outwith Glasgow in season 2017-18.
No need to book seats for each game, your place is guaranteed!
A fixed fee (full fare £270, concession fare £150) can be paid in installments throughout the season. This fee has been held at the same level as in 2016-17.
To become a North-West Branch member please e-mail
With the team leaving for the long trip to Dingwall late on Friday afternoon, ptfc.co.uk caught up with Alan Archibald before he took his team to the training ground to talk through an absolutely crucial Ladbrokes Premiership tie.
Fresh from the international break Archibald’s squad are raring to go but perhaps would have preferred to get straight back to playing after the Aberdeen defeat.
“The break probably came at a bad time for us to be honest. We’re obviously desperate to get our first league victory. After coming so close to getting something out of the Aberdeen game I think we would rather have gone straight into another game. It is what it is though and what it did do was allowed us to work on a few things.”
As the Jags still search for their first points in the campaign Archie knows how important a win in the Highlands could prove.
“We know the position we’re in in terms of our league position and the fact we haven’t got any points on the board yet. The longer that goes on the more the press ask about it and the more of an issue it becomes so we just want to put it to bed ASAP. We aren’t the only ones though, County will be desperate as well, they’ve only on once so it really will be a tough contest.
“The good thing is that one win gets us right into the pack but that won’t be the case for long and we need to get it done. We’ve had a tough run but every game is tough in this league. This is a game – and Jim will say the same about us – that we can really target for a win.
“County are one of our rivals and one of the teams I would expect to be around us come the end of the season so it’s one of those where it’s a real six pointer that we are desperate to win.”
After achieving a much coveted top six place last season the gaffer know how tough the league is shaping up to be this term.
“It looks like the league is going to shape up in a similar way to last season in that there will be two or three teams fighting at the top then not a lot between all of the others. We need to make sure that we are right in the pack behind those top teams to try and emulate our success from last season.”
It seemed as though Thistle held the hex over County last season as the Jags didn’t lose a single game to the Staggies.
“County are a team we had a good record against last season. We had them twice at home and didn’t lose against them. It’s always a tight game though and over the years the record is probably fairly even.
“We had a great victory up there in December last year and it really changed our season around. I’m hoping for a similar performance and result this time around to really give us something to build on. Having said that there have been plenty of positives already, particularly from the Aberdeen game. We scored three good goals but we have ti be better at shutting the door on teams. A lot of that comes down to consistency in selection as I don’t think we’ve been able to field the same defensive unit more than once this season. It’s not an excuse though as there is plenty of quality in our squad outside of injuries to get results in this league.”
Despite having had terrible luck with injuries so far this season there is some light at the end of the tunnel for a couple of the longer term crocks.
“There is a bit of good news on the injury front actually. Gary Fraser has returned to training with the squad. it’s all non-contact just now so he’s nowhere near selection but even just having him back kicking a ball is such a good progression from where he was. Mustapha Dumbuya has also started running this week so hopefully he isn’t too far away either.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Abdul Osman, Blair Spittal and Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald are now available to Jagzone subscribers – log in now to see them.
Jagzone members will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game.
Can’t make it to the Global Energy Stadium? Jagzone members can listen to live audio commentary of the match. JagZoneLIVE begins at 2:30pm on Saturday.
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.
Today, Partick Thistle travelled north in search of their first league points of the season having suffered four Ladbrokes Premiership losses in a row to start the season against Hibs, Celtic, St. Johnstone and Aberdeen. An encouraging performance against Aberdeen which saw them score three times showed that the Jags still have the quality in their ranks to find the net after scoring just once in the three matches prior to the clash with the Dons. They took on a Ross County side coming off the back of a less encouraging defeat at home to Rangers, 3-1.
There were two changes to the team who fell to defeat against Aberdeen last time out. Niall Keown missed out after picking up a red card in that game and he was replaced by Daniel Devine who made his first league start since the opening weekend of the season. Chris Erskine dropped to the bench with Ryan Edwards coming into the starting line-up. Devine came in to play alongside Jordan Turnbull, in front of Tomas Cerny in goal. Milan Nitriansky and Christie Elliot were the full-backs while Adam Barton and Stuart Bannigan started in central midfield with Abdul Osman unable to make the squad. Conor Sammon and Blair Spittal were Thistle’s widemen as Ryan Edwards began the game in behind Kris Doolan. On the bench there were plenty of options for Alan Archibald. Chris Erskine, Steven Lawless, Kevin Nisbet and Miles Storey all offered a threat from the dugout if called upon.
Ross County started the game sharply, creating a number of half chances for Davis Keillor-Dunn, Michael Gardyne and Thomas Mikkelsen. On one occasion, Mikkelsen found space on the flank and found Keillor-Dunn with a cross. The youngster headed back across goal, beating Tomas Cerny but Daniel Devine was on hand to clear the ball off the line.
The Jags’ first chance of the match came in the tenth minute when after a quick turnover of possession, Blair Spittal had the chance to attack the County box. He drove towards the Staggies area, however, opted to shoot before he got there. His attempt was on target and powerful but County ‘stopper, Aaron McCarey, got two hands to it and turned it behind.
Blair Spittal had been Thistle’s biggest threat of the opening stages, looking dangerous on the ball, never more so than when he netted the opener in the 22nd minute. The Jags won a throw on the right sideline and Kris Doolan spotted a smart Spittal run and found him with a quick throw. Spittal found himself in the box suddenly and shot on the slide. His effort went low past McCarey, nestling into the corner. The goal was his fourth in Thistle colours and his first of the league season.
County created a couple more chances despite falling behind with Mikkelsen twice threating to latch onto deep crosses. As if the relentless opposition pressure wasn’t enough, the Jags faced another challenge when Thistle no. 1, Tomas Cerny, picked up an injury and was forced off in the 29th minute. Ryan Scully was called into action for his first appearance since last September.
The teams went into the break with the score at 1-0. Thistle had been massively outplayed for much of the opening period but somehow took a lead into the interval. Blair Spittal’s sliding finish was all that separated the sides. From a Ross County point of view, they would have been looking for more of the same but with a more clinical flavour. From the Jags’ perspective, they probably would be looking to defend strongly and get on the ball more.
It took just one minute for Thistle to threaten in the second 45. Ryan Edwards picked up the ball around the halfway line and burst forward. He then let fly from 35 yards with his shot on target. It was moving plenty and had McCarey worried but the ex-Wolves goalkeeper did enough to turn it away.
After that quick flash of action at the County end, the game reverted to Staggie dominance. The hosts almost equalised in the 51st minute through Thomas Mikklesen. The Dane was picked out by Ross Draper’s low cross and he tried to beat Scully with a first time shot. He got his shot away but Daniel Devine threw himself in front of it to deflect it away. The ball spun into the air and fell to Davis Keillor-Dunn. The youth prospect took it on the volley but lashed his effort past the near post.
With 21 minutes left to play, Ross County came close to a leveller. Some clever and quick play ten yards outside the Jags area got Alex Schalk into the box in space. County’s number ten shot low at the near post but Ryan Scully got down well to it and collected the ball after the save.
The home side had another opportunity three minutes later when Billy McKay got on the end of a flick on and turned his marker. He had a clear shot on goal but made a hash of the finish, failing to catch it properly, and his effort was easily saved by Ryan Scully.
In the final 20 minutes Alan Archibald made two changes to try to inject some energy into a tiring frontline. Firstly, Kris Doolan was replaced by Miles Storey in the 73rd minute and then Chris Erskine came on for Stuart Bannigan with nine minutes left.
In the end, County’s relentless pressure finally produced a goal in the 85th minute and it came from 12 yards. A fairly aimless ball into the box caused a great commotion that led to Jordan Turnbull upending Alex Schalk. The man who won the penalty then took it and he made no mistake, sending Scully the wrong way and levelling things in the Highlands.
There would be one last chance in the match and it fell for Ross County. Michael Gardyne swung a deep cross towards the back post finding Ross Draper. The ex-Inverness man then headed on goal, looking for the top corner at the near post. His header was arrowing towards the goal but Ryan Scully turned it behind with an outstretched arm to ensure Thistle would at least come away with a point.
The game ended 1-1 and the Jags grabbed their first point of the league season. A good point up in the highlands but a point that must no doubt feel like it should have been three. The late equaliser was a dagger through Thistle hearts but there were positives to be taken going into an action-packed seven days next week.
The Jags now turn their attentions to Rangers, this coming Friday. The Gers will be going into that game off the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Dundee today and wo’t want to allow Thistle their first Ladbrokes Premiership victory of the campaign. The game kicks off at 19:45 from Firhill.
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 four straight league defeats to begin the 2017/18 campaign Partick Thistle travelled north to Dingwall to take on Ross County in an attempt to bag their first points of the new season. Thistle got off to a decent enough start when they netted an opener in the 22nd minute through Blair Spittal but were left devastated when a late Alex Schalk penalty salvaged a draw for the Staggies. The Jags had victory snatched from them but did garner their first point of the league season. Thistle boss, Alan Archibald, spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game.
Right off the bat, Archie expressed his disappointment at not being able to hang on for the win.
“Of course, I’m devastated. When you’re ahead for so long and you feel like the three points are within touching distance, it’s tough to take. It feels like a defeat for us especially because we still sit joint bottom. However, it’s a tough place to come and a draw is not bad at all.”
Thistle had to weather an early Staggies storm as the County men came out flying early on and Alan was pleased with the way his team defended against a torrent of County attacks.
“I thought we did well in holding back the onslaught. I thought that they’d play quite an attacking team and that’s what they did. We dealt with their physicality and the quality in the wide areas and after that, we created some good openings on the counter. In the second half, it was a similar story in that we had plenty of defending to do and we did most of it well. It was a hopeful ball into the box that wins them the penalty in the end and that’s where the major disappointment comes from.”
Ryan Scully was called into action in impromptu fashion when Tomas Cerny picked up a first-half injury and the gaffer was pleased with the ‘keeper’s performance.
“He made a couple of good saves. The Draper header is one that I expect him to make but the one that was low to his right was great. Being called upon like that isn’t easy but Tomas had been struggling a little bit in the week so Ryan knew there was a chance he would be needed. He deserves a lot of credit for coming on and playing so well.”
Archie and his squad now look towards next Friday’s clash with Rangers in the league. Thistle continue their search for their first win of the league season against the Gers at Firhill with kick-off at 19:45.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Ryan Edwards and Ryan Scully. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
Jagzone subscribers can rewatch the full 90 minutes soon.
Highlights will be added shortly and will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
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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 9 September, 2017
SPFL Ladbrokes Premiership 
Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
A Gardyne free kick finds Draper at the back post. He heads on goal but Scully saves brilliantly.
Sammon is given the ball on the left wing. He cuts inside and fires a shot on goal but it sails over the bar.
County are down to ten men because they've made all three subs and Routis was forced off with a muscle injury.
Schalk sends Scully the wrong way.
After some good play on the left wing, Kelly fires a great cross across goal. No County man can reach it but Turnbull does putting it just past the far stick.
A header is flicked into the box and McKay spins away from Devine before shooting. He doesn't quite catch it and it's a farirly easy save for Scully in the end.
A smart bit of play from Ross County gets Schalk into the box, in space. He shoots low at the near post but Scully gets down very well to keep it out.
Mikkelsen is forced off with a shoulder injury.
The midfielder goes into the book for a late tackle on Barton.
A free kick from the Thistle left comes to Jordan Turnbull. He gets the ball back into the danger area and it falls to Devine. Devine hits a shot on the turn but it goes wide of the near post.
Kelly is cautioned for dragging Blair Spittal down to the ground.
Draper finds space on the right wing and picks out Mikkelsen with a low cross. The big forward shoots but Devine gets a block in. The ball then falls to Keillor-Dunn but he lashes a volley wide of the near post.
Ryan Edwards picks up the ball near the half-way line and bursts forward. He shoots from 35 yards and sees his shot fly goalwards. McCarey saves but it did trouble him.
County kick-off the second half in the pouring rain.
There will be at least one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
Sammon feed Spittal on the edge of the box and he takes a touch onto his right foot before shotting. He hits it low but central and McCarey holds.
Blair Spittal fires a free kick over the bar from 20 yards.
Thistle's number 1 is forced off with an injury.
Keillor-Dunn cuts in on the left and curls an inswinging cross towards the back post. Mikkelsen gets away from his marker but can't quite turn it on goal.
Gardyne whips a cross in from the right flank finding Mikklesen. The striker tries a deft header but doesn't get enough on it and it goes wide.
Admittedly against the run of play but Thistle are ahead.
A long throw from the right sideline finds Blair Spittal in the box. He then shoots low on the slide, beating McCarey at the near post.
Gardyne finds Keillor-Dunn in space on the right of the Thistle box. The number 40 then cuts onto his right and tries a curled effort. It's on target but deflects behind off a County man.
After a quick change in possession, Spittal bursts forward and shoots from just outside the box. His attempt is turned behind for a corner by McCarey.
Mikkelsen gets in behind the Thistle defence and crosses towards the back stick. He finds Keillor-Dunn and the youngster heads back across goal. It beats Cerny but Daniel Devine heads it off the line.
The centre-half is booked for hacking down Mikkelsen.
A cross comes in from the County left finding Michael Gardyne. He heads back across goal looking to find the corner but heads just wide.
Keillor-Dunn gets the ball five yards outside the box after a turnover in possession. He touches it away from his body and shoots with his right-foot. His shot is dipping but goes straight at Cerny who holds.
Following an impeccably observed minute's silence, Kris Doolan gets the game underway.
Hello and welcome to the ptfc.co.uk live text commentary for Partick Thistle's clash with Ross County.
Thistle travel north in search of their first league points of the season having suffered four Ladbrokes Premiership losses in a row to start the season against Hibs, Celtic, St. Johnstone and Aberdeen. An encouraging performance against Aberdeen which saw them score three times showed that the Jags still have the quality in their ranks to find the net after netting just once in the three matches prior to the clash with the Dons.
There are two changes to the team who fell to defeat against Aberdeen last time out. Niall Keown misses out after picking up a red card in that game and he is replaced by Daniel Devine who makes his first league start since the opening weekend of the season. Chris Erskine drops to the bench with Ryan Edwards coming into the starting line-up.
Devine comes in to play alongside Jordan Turnbull, in front of Tomas Cerny in goal. Milan Nitriansky and Christie Elliot are the full-backs while Adam Barton and Stuart Bannigan start in central midfield. Conor Sammon and Blair Spittal are Thistle's widemen as Ryan Edwards starts in behind Kris Doolan.
On the bench there are plenty of options for Alan Archibald. Chris Erskine, Steven Lawless, Kevin Nisbet and Miles Storey all offer a threat from the dugout if called upon.
The warm-ups are over and the teams are almost ready for kick-off. Will the Jags clinch that season starting win? Let's find out. The game gets underway in five minutes.