One team in Glasgow Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle v  Dundee
Firhill Stadium Glasgow
Saturday 6^th December, 2009
Reporter: Alan Murray
Referee- Charlie Richmond
Attendance: 4,453

The biggest game of the season for Thistle, no doubt about that. Thistle made only one change, with substituting Stephen McKeown for Bryan Hodge.

Jags were looking good in the early stages but Steve Lovell failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity. Douglas was forced into an error by Lovell, Corcoran picked up the ball and set up Lovell but his shot was wide of the target.

Thistle were pressing for the opener and after 18 minutes Paul Cairney picked up the ball and ran at the hesitant Dundee defense. Cairney got his cross off but no Thistle player was able to get on the end of it.

Tuffey was called into action after the 20^th minute when McMenamin broke clear but Tuffey’s leg came to the rescue, blocking the shot.

Stephen McKeown was next to squander an excellent chance. Steve Lovell sent him through on goal but his shot was over the bar.

Thistle did have a shot on target in the 27^th minute. Mark Corcoran sent an excellent shot into the top corner but Douglas was able to palm it away for a corner.

Darren Young had an excellent chance to score after the 43rd minute. He was clear through on goal - however David Rowson came to the rescue with a brilliant tackle.

Dundee then took the lead from the corner which came from Rowson’s tackle. The ball broke to Colin McMenamin and his shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Jamie Adams but McMenamin didn’t make any mistake on his second attempt.

Half time came and despite having the bulk of the possession Dundee have the advantage.

Gary Harkins had a quiet first half but just 3 minutes after the restart he an excellent opportunity to put Dundee further ahead. Harkins shot was saved by Tuffey who again came to Jags rescue.

Harkins had the ball in the net just minutes later. A Dundee corner broke to him and he drove home the second for Dundee.

Ian McCall felt the need to change things and Kris Doolan and Martyn Corrigan entered the field of play at the expense of Simon Donnelly and Stephen McKeown.

Mark Corcoran was causing Dundee problems but could have done better with a shot inside the box. The ball was blasted over the bar.

Corcoran was again involved with a cross making its way to Jamie Adams but his header was straight at Dougls in the Dundee goal.
With Thistle pushing bodies forward, Dundee was afforded plenty of space and twice they should have gone 3 up. First chance a through ball left two against one but Garry Harkins really should have passed, instead his shot was blocked by Tuffey.

Around a minute later McMenamin was straight through on Tuffey but shot wide of the post.

Despite Thistle having some great chances and plenty of possession in the first half, the best team won. Dundee are not spectacular but they are very effective in what they do. They can only throw the title away.

The harsh reality is that we don’t have enough quality in our side, McCall will try to bring a few players in the window but it is always hard to bring in the type needed.

Man of the match - David Rowson - He wins this award by a distance. He was simply outstanding and his best performance of this season.