Saturday 24th September, 2016 at 8:50pm
Another positive performance without a win must have left Alan Archibald wondering what has to be done to secure that elusive second victory of the season. A Scott McDonald goal in the last ten minutes cancelled out Chris Erskine’s opener to ensure the game finished a draw. The draw means the Jags are off the foot of the table for at least a day with Hamilton yet to play this weekend. The game was one that Thistle could have had wrapped up with half an hour to go and Alan Archibald shared his view of the match with ptfc.co.uk after the game.
“I thought we controlled the first half. I was very pleased with it and we created a number of chances but at the moment we look like we need to score two goals to win a game and it’s very frustrating.”
Archie was of the opinion that the team should have been out of sight by the time Motherwell equalised.
“We had the chance just after half-time, I think that Motherwell controlled the midfield in the first ten minutes of the second-half, to be fair to them, but in that time we had two very good chances. I think if we take the first one then the game is dead and buried.”
The Jags’ boss admitted that his team may have had some luck as a goal scored by McDonald was disallowed for offside despite it looking like the striker was being played onside but also thought his side had been unfortunate with a big decision.
“Somebody mentioned that to me, that it may have been onside but we didn’t get the penalty either, when Ade Azeez was fouled. He didn’t go down; he was too honest. Unfortunately, referees don’t seem to give the foul unless the player goes down.”
Ade Azeez was one of the main men in the game for different reasons. His pressing on the Motherwell defenders was excellent throughout the game but he also passed up on a few great chances. Alan Archibald was impressed by his performance and thinks that once he grabs his first the goals will start to come more regularly.
“He just needs a goal. He needs one to just bounce in off his knee or something just to boost his confidence in front of goal. Everything else in his game was good today, he worked ever so hard, he pressed them well and a lot of his chances came through his endeavour and work rate. He just needs that lucky break.”
The Thistle manager thought his men were unlucky with the result considering their overall performance.
“You can’t control the game for 90 minutes. They’ve got good strikers but we kept them quiet for most of the match. They were full of confidence after their performance against Hamilton so they were always going to get a chance eventually but if we score that chance just after half-time then I think it relaxes everyone.”
Archibald was disappointed by the way the goal equaliser was scored.
“They had dominated for twenty minutes and at one point I thought we had ridden the storm. Unfortunately, they came back at us late on. As I’ve said before, you have to defend your box and that’s something we’re not doing well enough at the moment.”
Thistle must now begin preparation for a clash with Rangers next Saturday at Ibrox as the Jags continue their search for their first win since the opening day of the season.
