One team in Glasgow Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle v Queen of the South Scottish League First Division
1 November 2008  3.00 pm.
Reporter: Alan Murray
Scorers: Kevin McKinlay 45 minutes - Gary Harkins (pen) 87 minutes
Attendance:  2,971

Thistle returned to form in pretty impressive fashion by defeating top of the table Queen of the South. Thistle lined up with McCall’s favored 3-5-2 formation.  Mr. Versatility Kevin McKinlay was switched from attack to the left wing back position, with Simon Donnelly taking up the vacated striker position. John Robertson, Willie Kinniburgh and Ian Maxwell formed the defense.

Queens were first to threaten with a header from ex jag Craig Sives after losing his marker Harkins from a corner.

Paul Paton was exploiting the space offered to him by Queen’s and sent in an excellent cross in the 19th minute to pick out Simon Donnelly however Sid’s shot was a disappointment.

Thistle started to take control of the match and press hard for the opener. Liam Buchanan was giving the Queen’s defense problems with his intelligent running and had a header after 39 minutes from a Donnelly cross, but was unable to get meaningful direction to it.

Gary Harkins who was correctly booked for diving was behind an excellent move however his through ball just escaped Buchanan.

Queens were struggling to cope with Thistle play and managed to commit the most amount of fouls I have seen at Firhil in one half.  However, the breakthrough came with virtually the last kick of the first half. Paton found Stephen McKeown whose cross picked out Kevin McKinlay at the back post and managed to guide the ball into the goal. At last a goal - however it came from another defender!

Queens’s came out to the second half no doubt with there ears ringing from manger Gordon Chisholm. They started to threaten the Thistle goal and the Jags were forced onto the back foot. However Queen’s were unable to create any clear cut chances.

In the 68th minute Thistle threatened to add another goal after good work by Donnelly to set up Stephen McKeown, however his shot did not overly trouble Bell in the queen’s goal.

This was the stage of the game which had me and probably most of the Jags support, thinking that Thistle were going to concede a goal and pay for not making the most of the pressure they enjoyed in the first half. Queens were pressing the Thistle goal and Sean O’Connor snatched at a chance after a bit of panic set into the Jags defense struggling to get the ball clear.

With 13 minutes to go Thistle were forced to make a change, with Willie Kinniburgh going off injured - Scott Chaplain came onto the field and Thistle formation changed to 4-4-2.

With the clock ticking down to just 8 minutes left Queen’s were down to 10 men after Jim Thomson fouled Buchanan. Now both Murray brothers in attendance jumped to their feet proclaiming Mr. Thomson should be removed from the field of play. However 30 seconds later we both changed our minds and thought it was possibly harsh!

Kevin McKinlay who had an excellent second half had the ball in the net again but was ruled off side.

Liam Buchanan nearly got a deserved goal in the 85th minute however his effort from a cut back by Chaplin was just past the post.

Thistle had to wait till the 87th minute to be sure of the points. Liam Buchanan again threatened and was pulled down when he looked sure to score. Gary Harkins sent the goal keeper the wrong way and finally the points were secure.

Liam Buchanan was then allowed to leave the park and enjoyed a standing ovation from the Jacky Husband stand. His never allowed the Queen’s defense to be in their comfort zone, Thomson was pulled out of position all day by Buchanan with his excellent running. John Roberson was excellent patrolling the Thistle defense and Maxy was ice cool under pressure.

Paul Paton’s performance however was the biggest surprise. He made excellent use of the space provided to him by Queen’s and his touch and crossing was top notch.

Man of the match – Liam Buchanan

Jags

Jonny Tuffey
Paul Paton
Kevin McKinlay
John Robertson
Willie Kinniburgh (Scott Chaplain)
Ian Maxwell
Stephen McKeown
David Rowson
Liam Buchanan  (Damon Gray)
Simon Donnelly
Gary Harkins

Players Not Used

Craig Hinchcliffe
Steven Lennon
Chris Turner

Queen of the South

Cameron Bell
Craig Barr  (Craig Reid)
Jamie McQuilken
Neil MacFarlane
Craig Sives
Jim Thomson
Paul Burns
Stevie Tosh
Sean o’Connor
Stephen Dobbie
Michael McGowan  (Stewart Kean)

Players Not Used

Bryn Halliwell
Stephen Simmons
Tom Parratt