Monday 16th July, 2012 at 8:41pm
Thistle’s pre-season preparation continues this evening when we make the trip down the coast to meet Ayr United.
Ayr were, of course, in our division last season and a trip to Somerset Park remains one of the more popular away games for Thistle fans.
In last season’s First Division we drew one and won one our two fixtures at Somerset Park, with the latter proving to be a memorable occasion for Mark McGuigan who marked his first ever goal in Thistle colours in a fashion that few who saw it are likely to forget.
Mark missed the weekend’s closed door fixture with St Johnstone, but as manager Jackie McNamara explains he is in line to start against Ayr this evening.
“I think it is important that we spread things about pre-season and make sure that everyone gets a run out and that we try different shapes in the games we play. Mark McGuigan didn’t feature against St Johnstone on Saturday so he’ll play against Ayr. Alan Archibald played the full 90 minutes against Alloa on astroturf and then trained, so he didn’t play against St Johnstone either . There are others that have played 90 minutes in one game but not another, so it is important that we try and make sure everyone gets time on the pitch.”
There have been changes aplenty at Ayr since their relegation, via the play-offs, at the end of last season, not least in the manager’s office. Replacing Brian Reid is a man the needs no introduction to the Thistle fans. Mark Roberts was a hugely influential figure during his time in red and yellow, especially in the play-off fixtures that led to Thistle taking a circuitous route to promotion from the Second Division in 2006.
Mark may still be in the infancy of his managerial career but he has made an encouraging start to his management career . On Saturday his Ayr side, which includes former Thistle players John Robertson and Ryan McStay within its’ ranks, defeated Motherwell to the impressive tune of 4-0. The test, therefore, that Thistle are likely to face later tonight is certain to be a stern one, which is exactly what we are looking for at this stage of our preparations.
As always, [link:HOME] will be on hand this evening to provide comprehensive pre and post match coverage as well as updates during the game.
Match Details
Pre-Season Friendly
Monday July 16th 2012
Ayr United v Partick Thistle
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Prices
Adults £10
Concessions £5
Travel Information
By Supporters Bus
No Supporters buses are running to this fixture.
By Rail
There is a half hourly train service from Glasgow to either Ayr or Newton-on-Ayr. The ground is a ten minute walk from both stations.
By Car
A77 to Ayr, and at Whitletts roundabout take third exit (A719) and follow until after Ayr Racecourse. Take first right at traffic lights then left and right into Somerset Road.
Parking
Car Park Admission £1.50
(located beside Main Stand/limited spaces)
