Tuesday 24th July, 2018 at 11:20pm
A week after their 2-1 triumph over Greenock Morton in Maryhill, Partick Thistle returned to Betfred Cup action with a trip to Coatbridge to take on Albion Rovers. The Jags continued their winning ways as they ran out 2-0 winners at Cliftonhill but it was no easy victory. It took 59 minutes for the visitors to breakthrough as Miles Storey bagged his first of the season. The Maryhill men doubled the advantage in the 83rd minute as debuting substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick buried his first professional goal. Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following his side’s third win in three games.
Archie began by saying that although he was pleased to get the three points, he felt his side could have done more over the piece.
“It was always going to be a tough one but we should have created more. First half, we struggled to get the ball back to front quickly. Obviously, with the pitch, that was more difficult but we still should have been better than we were. Second half, there was improvement in that regard. Our midfielder were making more incisive passes and in the end we got our goals.”
Alan praised both goalscorers, Miles Storey and young Aidan Fitzpatrick who both opened their accounts for the season.
“I was very pleased for Miles and Aidan. Miles finally got his contract sorted last week and can now focus on his football. He is a player who thrives off self-confidence and hopefully the goal gives him that. As for Aidan, we want him to be more involved in the first team this year and getting him in the pitch was the big thing. We wanted to get the debut out of the way but for him to step up and score is a really great sign.”
The gaffer is now looking forward to Saturday’s crunch match against Ayr which will decide who tops Group E.
“Ayr played well again tonight and have been in really great form. They’ve scored plenty and only conceded once so it will be a tough game without a doubt. They’re riding on the crest of a wave but we have to focus on our own game and play the football we played during the first half against Morton over 90 minutes.”
Alan’s Jags return to action on Saturday afternoon as Ayr United head to the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill. Saturday’s match will decide which team wins Group E in the Betfred Cup and kick-off is 15:00.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Kris Doolan and Aidan Fitzpatrick. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
Highlights will be added shortly and will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
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