Match Preview
A start to the season that has seen Thistle record 8 wins from 10 games and reach the semi-final of the Alba Challenge Cup is one that few people could have envisaged. In the pursuit of a 9th victory of the season on Saturday though Thistle face a not inconsiderable hurdle in the shape of Clyde. There are few teams that enjoy victories over Thistle more than Clyde do and despite two home defeats last season they have a good record against Thistle at Broadwood. Manager Ian McCall was under no illusions as to just how hard the task ahead was going to be when he spoke with www.ptfc.co.uk earlier this morning.
“Make no mistake this is going to be a very difficult game indeed. Clyde have made a decent start to the season and are a better side than they were last season. Then again so are we. We’ve two big cup ties coming up on the horizon but we can’t take our eye off the ball in the league in the meantime. In that respect tomorrow’s game is the ideal fixture for us. It’s the type of game that everyone looks forward to playing in. If not an actual derby it is a local game and I’m sure that the Thistle fans will turn out in their usual big numbers.”
So who can the Thistle fans look forward to seeing in action on Saturday afternoon?
“At the moment the only player that really remains on the injured list is Alan Archibald and he continues to make good progress. So I’ve almost a full squad to select from. The game though comes a little too early for Liam Buchanan and it is the same with Stephen McKeown. Stephen is fit again and trained with the players all week but we feel that he might benefit from a game first before going back into the first team and he will probably feature in the reserve match on Tuesday afternoon.”
“Elsewhere Steven Lennon and Jonny Tuffey are back with is and came through their time away with no problems. John Robertson is available again as well following his period of suspension.”
Clyde meantime will be able to welcome back leading scorer Pat Clarke who missed their Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Ross County last weekend while Neil McGregor, despite his red card against Ross County, is available for this fixture.
