One team in Glasgow Partick Thistle

Thistle left it late to secure all 3 points in a game that saw the home team twice go behind to the visitors before a McConalogue goal in injury time, while not totally erasing the memory of last weeks horror show, at least sent the Jags fans home with a feeling of elation that’s been in short supply at Firhill this season.

Dick Campbell had made no secret of his despair at last weeks performance, labelling it, “that was the worst home defeat that I have experienced in my time”. Therefore, changes were to be expected for today’s game but with such a small squad, the worry was always how effective any changes would be?

Out went Tuffey, replaced by Kenny Arthur in goal. Campbell dropped onto the bench to be replaced by…. Pat Keogh in the heart of the defence! Lastly, Billy Gibson also made way for the fit again Jimmy Gibson who took his rightful place in the midfield of a 4-4-2 formation. County made just one enforced change after their Challenge Cup win in midweek, Hugh Robertson replacing the not fully fit Fergus Tiernan in midfield.

Both teams started slowly but it was Thistle who had the first sight of goal. After 2 minutes, the ball broke to Derek Young who found himself just outside the box with the Ross County defence splitting in front of him. His shot missed the County defenders but cannoned off the stationary Mark Roberts and was cleared. Ross County cleverly started to use the flanks and were finding plenty of space in which to drive at the Thistle defence but, thankfully, without much goal threat or end product.

Adam Strachan has been posted missing a few times this season but he looked up for the game and made skilful runs down the left flank. In the 8th minute, one of these mazy runs saw him beat his man and slide the ball inside to Donnelly. Before Donnelly could shoot he was tackled but the ball broke to Strachan who had continued his run and his powerful shot flew just past the post.

Thistle were working hard in midfield, with both Brady and J. Gibson closing down the County players. The defence looked much steadier and Keogh was using his head in more ways than one to clear any danger. Then, against the general run of play, as is the way these days at Firhill, after 14 minutes, Ross County drew first blood.

Breaking from midfield, County linked up well and the ball was fed to Gary Irvine just outside the box. The Thistle defence stepped up to block his run and, much to the surprise of the home fans, the referee, Crawford Allan, awarded Ross County a penalty. As well as being of the spongy, soft type of award, the so-called infringement also appeared to have been outside the box. Ross County weren’t complaining though and McKinlay promptly stepped up to the spot and fired his fierce shot low and into the net, sending Kenny Arthur the wrong way. 0-1 to Ross County.

In past games, going a goal down has been the cue for elements of the home support to find solace in shouting abuse at Dick Campbell. Luckily for Campbell, someone else was taking the abuse, namely the referee, Mr Allen. In a passage of five minutes play, he gave nothing to Thistle but consistently blew for innocuous challenges made by Jags players. As well as enlivening the home support, this sense of injustice sparked the Thistle players into action.

In the 23rd minute, Thistle gained four corners in succession with Strachan’s second finding Keogh hurtling in at the back to bullet a header goal wards only to see it tipped over by a fine save from County keeper, Samson.

Thistle’s tails were well and truly up now and they were making some good passes with Donnelly and Young in particular establishing a good understanding with each other. Donnelly was operating in a much deeper role than in previous games and his intelligence started to open County up. However, Ross County sounded a warning shot by sending a great ball into the Thistle box and with two County players unmarked, Kenny Arthur was relieved to find the ball deflected into his waiting arms.

In 32nd minute, Roberts took the ball down well on the edge of the box but was taken out from behind and Thistle were awarded a free kick. A shiver of anticipation ran through the home support as the man with the sledgehammer foot placed the ball down. Scott McCulloch has been a godsend for Campbell and Thistle and has weighed in with more goals than a left-back has any right to.

However, on this occassion McCulloch smashed the ball high and over the bar. But, just as the groans subsided, it became clear that the referee had spotted an infringement and ordered the kick to be taken again. This time, Big Bad Boab McCulloch made no mistake and drove the ball into the back of the onion bag…1-1 and game on!

Things became a little tasty after a late challenge on Derek Young on the touchline with both sets of players swinging expensive, designer handbags at each other. Keddie was booked for his troubles and with the home support roaring them on, Thistle stepped up a gear and went looking for the killer punch.

In the 36th minute, Strachan cut the ball back across the box towards Roberts. He cleverly stepped over the ball taking two defenders with him and the ball landed at Donnelly’s feet, or rather under his feet! He tried in vain to get his body into a shooting position but the chance was gone with a clearance from a County defender.

Gary Irvine for Ross County then quickly followed his team-mate into the ref’s book for persistent backchat. The Jags fans could smell blood and Thistle began to press the County box but couldn’t find the final pass when it mattered, Brady in particular being a persistent offender. Half time came with Thistle well and truly on top and hoping to push their advantage home in the second half.