Tuesday 26th July, 2016 at 2:04pm
Thistle head to Ochilview for a competitive fixture for the first time since the 2005/06 season this evening as we look to move a step closer to topping Betfred Cup Group E. Ptfc.co.uk caught up with manager Alan Archibald to get his thoughts on another tough game in the group.
“We’re exactly where we wanted to be at this stage in the group. We’ve played two games and won them both so it means our destiny is in our own hands. If we win our last two games, we’ll be guaranteed to finish top without relying on anyone other than ourselves.”
Thistle may have left it late to grab the win against Queens on Saturday, but the manager was pleased with the creativity shown by the side, something he hopes continues this evening.
“We only scored two goals on Saturday but I’m not too concerned. Most of the chances we created during the match, we had four or five players in the box which is something we didn’t have too often last season. We didn’t score too many goals last season and that is something that we have to improve in the campaign ahead.
“We got a lot more support to the attack which we showed on Saturday. Players were constantly making the burst into the box in support and with the chances we’re creating then I’m confident that we’ll be more of a threat going forward.”
Stenhousemuir may sit bottom of the group without a point to their name, but Archie isn’t taking them lightly and will have the squad prepared for the clash at Ochilview.
“We’re taking the game seriously and we’re preparing for Stenhousemuir in the same way we would prepare for a Premiership side. We’ve had them watched and we know where they could pose a threat to us, so we’ll be making sure our side is prepared and ready for the dangers they’ll bring.
“Stenhousemuir will have nothing to lose and, in front of their own fans, they’ll be desperate to take our scalp. It’s up to us to prepare properly, be focused on the pitch and take our chances when they come. We know Stenhousemuir will have a chance in the game, every team does, and we’ll have to make sure we don’t gift them easy chances where they can hurt us.”
Finally we asked the gaffer for his team news ahead of the clash.
“None of our long term injuries will be back for tonight’s game. The goalkeeper’s are working hard but it’ll be more likely that they might come back into contention for the weekend. We don’t want to rush them back too early and have them missing out on a Premiership fixture. Daniel Devine and Ziggy Gordon are both carrying knocks and we’ll give them fitness tests to see if they make
