Saturday 26th September, 2015 at 3:08pm
It was a disappointed Alan Archibald that spoke to ptfc.co.uk shortly after the full time whistle this afternoon.
“I thought we deserved a point on the basis of our performance.That said, the goals we conceded were very, very poor. The first one comes with the ball going wide on the right to the winger, he beats Callum Booth and is able to fire the ball into the six yard box. Freddie gets his feet muddled up and it goes into the back of his net. The second one comes from our possession in our own half and is just a catalogue of mistakes.
“We talked about the importance of scoring the first goal and I felt we started the game stronger, even if we didn’ t really have any clear cut chances in front of goal. Lawless has glanced a header just over the bar before they go up the park and scoreand it’ s killing us.“
Alan was happy with the spirit shown by the players to keep fighting and trying to get themselves back into the game in the late stages.
“The lads showed a lot of character and belief to get themselves back into the game. We pushed Motherwell hard in the closing stages but it just wasn’ t to be. We’ ve hit the post twice again today and it’ s starting to become frustrating. We need one of those to hit the post and flash into the net.”
It’ s another big week for Thistle as we prepare to host 11th placed Dundee United at Firhill next week, with the opportunity to go above them in the table.
“We’ ll have to go back to basics this week. We’ ll look at the game, the only real positive we can take is the fact we scored a goal, so hopefully the win is the next record to go. We’ ll go into a week of training where we know the boys will work ever so hard to get us out of the situation we are in. I believe Dundee United lost today and we have the chance to go above them with a win next week. That is all the motivation that the players should need. “
Alan knows it isn’ t an easy time for any Thistle fan with the support having little to cheer about but is confident that happier times are just around the corner.
“The fans were great today, they stuck with us as we concededtwo poor goals and they were willing us on in the closing stages when we got one back late on. We need them to stick with us as we look to get through this tough start to the season. We’ re in it together, through good times and bad, and everyone in the squad, starting with me and my coaching staff are giving it all we have to push us higher up the league where we want to be.”
