Wednesday 27th February, 2019 at 4:15pm
In the absence of Stuart Bannigan, Blair Spittal took on the captain’s responsibilities as Partick Thistle travelled to Dunfermline last night. Unfortunately, the number seven didn’t enjoy a successful first outing as Jags skipper with his team falling to a 3-0 defeat at East End Park.
A sub-par second half display saw the Maryhill men slump to a 3-0 loss with Bruce Anderson netting a goal on either side of a Danny Devine header, leaving Thistle bottom of the table.
Blair spoke to ptfc.co.uk after the game:
“The first goal in any game is crucial and we’ve gifted it to them honestly. To concede two goals from set pieces, after Saturday too, is not good enough. We were in at half-time talking about trying to ride the storm and get through the first 10 minutes of the second half but we then go out and lose a goal after two minutes; as I say, it’s not good enough.”
Spittal wasn’t only disappointed with the fact that Thistle conceded so quickly but he also felt the response was poor from the team as a whole.
“The reaction wasn’t great; we allowed them to dictate things. We didn’t stay in our shape and we left ourselves open which meant we were exposed to their counter attacks.
“It felt like, since the New Year, we’d become a stronger team mentally but that wasn’t there this evening. We struggled to break them down while they just waited for the right moments and we need to improve because the games won’t get any easier.”
The midfielder was particularly frustrated that the Jags failed to take the chance to move up the table with Alloa and Falkirk not playing.
“It feels like we’re back to square one in many ways but, in the changing room, we’ve stressed that it’s up to us to get us out of this position and we can still do that. We’ve had two bad games but we’re still one point off eighth with plenty still to play for.”
On a horrible evening for Thistle, Blair did briefly discuss his role as captain for the night, saying he was very proud to lead the team out.
“I was pleased to be given the chance to captain the team but, to be honest, it feels a bit hollow now because of the result. It’s the first time I’ve been a captain as a senior footballer and it was a proud moment but I’d have swapped that in an instant for the three points.”
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