Wednesday 30th December, 2015 at 3:46pm
After a game played in less than favourable conditions resulted in a hard fought draw for Thistle against an on form Aberdeen side, Alan Archibald cut a satisfied figure when he spoke to ptfc.co.uk post-match.
“That was a performance we can all be very proud of and we are certainly satisfied with the point. It’s one of the toughest places to come in the league but we limited the number of chances they had. I know they hit the bar but overall I didn’t think they really cut us open like they have done to other teams this season.
“I think we showed a spirit and resilience, especially in theclosing stages, which has been missing at times since we came back into the top flight. I think that comes with experience but hopefully it’s a lesson we’ve now learnt.”
Although Aberdeen probably had the better chances, Thistle were far from toothless and could even have snatched a late smash and grab.
“We’ve actually come away from that a wee bit disappointed not to have won the game, given the chances we had late on. To be fair, I think that would have been very harsh on Aberdeen and, although three points would have been brilliant, we’re happy with a point and a good strong performance.”
Defensively the Jags were very strong, something which didn’t escape the manager’s attention.
“I thought right the way across the back four we were very solid today. They played as a unit and did everything they needed to keep the ball out of the net. Big Liam picked up an early booking which always makes it tough but I thought he managed the game extremely well. Everyone threw their bodies in the way at times and it was a real team effort to get that result.
”Thistle have now picked up 21 points across their last 10 gameshaving only tasted defeat once in that time. The Maryhill side are also unbeaten in two months and Archibald sees that confidence as crucial heading into the next run of fixtures.
“Going to places like Pittodrie and Celtic Park with confidence makes the world of difference and I think you saw that tonight. It’s still really tight in the league but if we can keep this confidence going then we can keep looking above us in the table.”
