One team in Glasgow Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle v Dundee Utd
Firhill Stadium, Glasgow.
Saturday 9th January 2009
Referee- Douglas McDonald
Attendance: 4002
by Alan Murray

Ian McCall unexpectedly included Jamie Adams in the starting line-up. Kilmarnock
apparently changed their minds about the request for him not to be included. The rumour is, he’s off to Queen of the south meaning that it doesn’t matter to Kille if he is cup tied.

Jonny Tuffey was called into action early after the 4th minute with an excellent save after Alan Archibald made a mess of a clearance that went goal-ward.

Mark Corcoran’s pace was causing problems for United and he earned Jags a corner. Donnelly’s corner was good and the ball came back across to Maxwell who headed straight at Pernis when a looping header towards the back post was required.

Archibald was also getting forward to effect down left and his cross presented a chance to Simon Donnelly whose header was over the bar.

United then had the best chance of the game when Damian Casalinuovo was sent through on goal but Tuffey was able to make a vital block.

The big talking point of the game came in the 26th minute. A shot from Garry Kenneth was turned in by Casalinuovo. TV proves that the ball went in off the hand of Casalinuovo but the referee McDonald allowed the goal. Protests from Tuffey and Archibald to the referee and his assistant went unheeded.

Thistle continued to create chances and Maxwell was again presented with a good chance but he was unable to keep his volley down.

Simon Donnelly had a 20 yard shot on goal but the shot went over the post.

United nearly went two up just before the break with a shot from Kovacevic but Tuffey was able to save.

Half time and Jags were competing well against a strong Dundee United side. We should really have taken some of the chances that came our way.

Mark Corcoran continued to cause problems and in the 52nd minute went past several United players to create a shooting opportunity but the shot was way over the bar.

Casalinuovo was a constant threat to Thistle and in the 62nd minute nearly beat Tuffey but could only hit the side netting.

Liam Buchanan and Chris Erskine were introduced as Thistle went in search of an equalizer.

Paul Paton sent in a cross to Liam Buchanan but it was slightly behind the striker and did not have the power required to beat Pernis.

A much better second chance fell to Liam in the 80th minute. Mark Corcoran set up Liam in the box but he never got good contact on the ball and it went past the post.

Just before the end David Goodwillie scored a fantastic individual goal, though Roberson did not help by first heading the ball back to United when not under any pressure. He then slipped, allowing David Goodwillie to coolly place the ball past Tuffey from a tight angle.

A decent match where Thistle did give a good account of themselves. United did have that extra class and forced Tuffey to make some excellent saves. That said, we had some excellent chances to score and the game reminded me of the last Dundee game. We need to start taking our chances in the big games.

Man of the match – Simon Donnelly. Although he did miss Thistle’s best chance, he was tremendous throughout. Particularly in the first half his touch and flicks were a joy to watch. On the top of his game at the moment.