One team in Glasgow Partick Thistle

Ross County v Partick Thistle Scottish League First Division
25 November 2008 7.45pm.
Reporter: Partick the Dog (with assistance from Wee Honk)
Scorers: Ross County: Daal 68 minutes
Attendance:  1,625

Just back on the City Centre Bus, followed by a quick return to the office to collect gear and catch up on happenings in my absence this afternoon. I am due up again in approximately 2 hours time to start work once more. It is indeed a dog’s life and therefore all you are going to get is the bare bones!

On a night less cold than might have been expected, Thistle fielded an unchanged starting eleven, with injury doubts Willie Kinniburgh and Stephen McKeown recovering in time (although McKeown only lasted half the game). Young Ryan Scully replaced Craig Hinchcliffe (whose wife is expecting imminently) and Chris Turner replaced Stevie Lennon, on the bench. The Ross County side was full of ex-Jags-McCulloch, Dowie, Boyd and Strachan. Around a century of Jags fans made the long trip.

Ross County were generally more up for the game and dominated the midfield. Both sides used the longball game, for which County are better equipped as Dyron Daal is much taller than Liam Buchanan. Dowie and Boyd lapped up everything in the air and were not exposed on the ground as, when Thistle did break past them, Donnelly or Buchanan would check back, allowing the defence to re-group.

County were dangerous at corners, deploying Strachan in defence (!) and dominating Tuffey with their big men. Numerous scrambles developed, and on two occasions, County hit the post and once Paton cleared off the line. Thistle’s defence was more assured in open play. Kinniburgh got his head on most things and Storey earned my man of the match award with numerous well-timed blocks and challenges.

Daal was generally the difference between the teams, as he showed a fair measure of ability on the ground as well as being strong in the air. His goal in the 68th minute was an excellent piece of skill. County were unchallenged in picking up a Tuffey kick out in the centre circle. The ball was quickly recycled by several players and came to Daal on the edge of the box. He turned and despatched a shot high past Tuffey into the top corner.

Thistle did create chances here and there. Buchanan was half through a couple of times but could not find a decisive shot. Just after County’s goal, Rowson hit a long range daisy cutter which Bullock fumbled unconvincingly round the post. Kinniburgh then found space at the far post and headed back across goal from where Buchanan headed agonisingly wide, although I thought I saw the linesman’s flag go up for offside. Chaplain nearly got on the end of a Harkins cross.

But in the end it was another disappointing away performance and defeat. This must be addressed soon to keep us at the right end of the table, and also to encourage the faithful fans to travel in numbers.

Here is a quick guide to individual player performances:

Tuffey: Not his greatest game by his own very high standards. Could not deal decisively with corners due to presence of Ross County giants. Did make some competent saves, especially holding a low Adam Strachan shot to prevent the unthinkable happening.

Paton: A curious mixture. Much good eager work, but poor distribution, including letting several clearances slide out of play. Always crossed from deep and never looked like hitting the byeline

McKinlay: Generally effective performance in attack and defence and whipped over some excellent crosses. Would be great to see him have more confidence in taking on defenders.

Storey: Mr Reliable tonight. Made some last ditch blocks and tackles, as well as shepherding away some dangerous looking County attacks.

Kinniburgh: No sign of injury or unfitness. Won a lot in the air and made no big mistakes on the ground either. Keen to get forward when possible, and a goal would certainly boost his confidence.

Maxwell: Made a fantastic block early on, and was efficient throughout, though less prominent than his fellow defenders. Long throws not really a threat with no Marc Twaddle to do the flick ons.

McKeown: Generally anonymous and therefore hooked at half time.

Rowson: Ran around a lot and generally covered well, while still striving to score. Like the rest of the midfield, he could not impose himself on the game, and the high balls kept passing him by.

Buchanan: Tried really hard and occasionally managed to shield the ball away from Dowie and Boyd. Seemed to lack that extra yard of pace to take him clear of defenders and perhaps tonight was a game too far after his impressive return from his long absence. Could not get a clean strike at goal.

Donnelly: Plenty of neat play, but unable to unlock the defence.

Harkins: One of his total off-nights. Passing was inaccurate, no trademark driving runs and kept surrendering possession cheaply.

Chaplain: Put in a solid shift in the second half. Industrious, got forward well and could have scored with a bit more luck.

Roberts: Looking a bit more like his old self. Worked hard down the left, but did not have enough time to make a dramatic impact on proceedings.

McStay: Cannot judge on such a brief cameo. Must be working harder in training, as he is higher on the bench pecking order.
Teams:-

Thistle (ratings): Tuffey 6, Paton 6, McKinlay 7, Storey 8, Kinniburgh 7, Maxwell 6, McKeown 5 (Chaplain 7), Rowson 6 (McStay 6), Buchanan 6, Donnelly 6 (Roberts 6), Harkins 5 

Unused Subs: Scully, Turner
Ross County: Bullock, McCulloch, Keddie, Dowie, Boyd, Watt, Scott (Hart), Brittain, Daal, Higgins (Gardyne), Strachan (Morrison)

Unused Subs: Soutar, Winters

Referee- S MacDonald
Assistants- J Laughlan, R Wright

Goal: Ross County: Daal 68

Attendance- 1625