Tuesday 20th April, 2021 at 12:56pm
Partick Thistle were without a league clean sheet since the restart of League One football before they travelled to face Peterhead the Saturday before last, winning 3-0 at Balmoor. Now, the Jags are on a run of three games without conceding a single goal and experienced centre-half Steven Bell has been at the centre of that. The 36-year-old was making his second start for the club as Thistle triumphed over the Blue Toon and he hasn’t missed a minute since, providing standout defensive displays against Clyde and Montrose last week. Bell spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of the final pre-split game of the season, away to Dumbarton:
“Everyone is looking forward to playing again after a bit of a break. The last week and a bit has been great for the club with three wins, three clean sheets and ten goals and we’ll just be looking to carry that form into the next game.
“These results breed confidence within the group and everyone is feeling good at the moment. You see that in the performances and I think particularly for someone like Zak Rudden who’s been in great form these past couple of games.”
While Steven is delighted with Thistle’s recent form, the defender says it’s important the team don’t get too far ahead of themselves with five big games left to play.
“It’s a very tough league and every game is difficult. Although we beat Montrose 5-0, it was still a tough game but, because we took our chances well, it ended up being comfortable. We’ve got plenty of experience in the squad with guys who’ve played at this level before so we know there’s a long way to go yet.”
The ex-Ayr player gave plaudits to his teammates as he reflected on the Jags’ three recently recorded clean sheets.
“It’s a team game and, although I know my qualities and what I can bring to the team, I can’t play to the best of my ability without guys around me doing their jobs too. In the team we’ve got Stuart Bannigan and Ross Docherty marshalling the midfield, Richard Foster out on the left who has been excellent, Darren Brownlie alongside me, Jamie Sneddon in behind me and more who have all contributed defensively.
“Everyone from front to back has to be giving their all to produce the defensive performances we have and we just want to continue that. For me, it took me a bit of time to get up to speed with the rest of the boys but I feel like I’m there now and I’m ready to play my part in the games to come.”
There’s now one point separating the top three teams in the division and Bell is expecting a competitive end to the season.
“First and foremost we have to focus on tomorrow night for what will be a very tough game away at Dumbarton. We’re in good form at the moment so we want to continue that and get three points which will set us up well for the post-split matches.
“We’ve got a really good squad of players here and we’ve got really good competition at the moment which drives everyone on. We had a few disappointing draws a couple of weeks ago but the boys have shown great character to regroup and get back on track.
“There was a decent gap between us and Falkirk at a point but we’ve closed that right down and we’re right back in the mix so as I’ve said we just need to make sure we’re on our game at Dumbarton and pick up another important three points.”
Dumbarton managed to take a point from their trip to Firhill in December and Bell knows that the Sons will be no pushovers as Thistle travel to the C&G Systems Stadium.
“Every team in this league has quality and Dumbarton are no different. I know their manager well and I know most of their players from playing with them or against them so we know it will be difficult. They’re in a battle of their own down at the bottom of the table so they’ll be just as desperate for the points as us and won’t be beaten easily.”
More exclusive preview interviews with Alan Archibald and Brian Graham will be available for JagZone subscribers to watch today – log in to view.
JagZone subscribers will be able to tune in to live audio commentary for our fixture against Dumbarton – click here to tune in.
The home side are offering a PPV option, priced at £12, for Jags fans who wish to watch a livestream of the game – click here for more info.
We’ll have extended highlights and a full game replay of our trip to face Dumbarton on JagZone.
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