Saturday 21st February, 2015 at 10:25am
After another disappointing defeat for Thistle, Alan Archibald was understandably downbeat when he spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game.
“It’s a very disappointing result and everyone on that dressing room knows that. We lost bad goals and our defending was in no way up to scratch today. What makes it more disappointing I think, is the fact that we actually started strongly. We were attacking and had a chance early on in a four versus three situation. We made the wrong choice and it came to nothing. I think that set the tone for the rest of our day.
“There was maybe a shout for hand ball in the run up to the first goal – the fourth official said hand ball but the ref didn’t give it – but we have enough opportunity to get rid of it before then. Ross County looked like a side hungry to win the game with something to play for and we didn’t. It’s important that we shake that sooner rather than later because we have got things to play for, pride first and foremost, but we certainly aren’t safe yet either and if we keep playing like that we will be in a relegation battle.”
Seeing a penalty saved by Paul Gallacher and then getting a goal back, there was a point Archie may have see a possible second half resurgence but it wasn’t to be.
“We had a chance in that second half and I think if we had got the equaliser we might very well have gone on to win the game. It wasn’t to be though and the goals we lost were inexcusable. The results elsewhere have gone our way today but we can’t keep relying on other teams if we want to progress in this league.”
Despite a clearly sub standard display it wasn’t a rocket the manager gave his players at full time.
“We didn’t go in screaming and shouting, we just spoke to them calmly and explained that they have to show more hunger and desire. we have the technical ability in the dressing room – of that I have no doubt – but we need to show it on a Saturday.
“At the moment we’re in relegation form. Everyone is looking for another Hibs this season and we need to make sure we aren’t that team.”
