Match Preview
Friendly match or not there is always a touch of extra anticipation surrounding our fixtures against our old rivals from Kilmarnock.
It is, however, been a few years since the two teams last met. Our last SPL fixture back in May 2004 to be precise. Two goals from James Grady, the second a last minute penalty kick, securing a 2-2 draw as Thistle exited the SPL that afternoon.
It's even longer since we last had a Thistle victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park to celebrate. You need to go back to February 1994 and to a Rugby Park much different from what you find now for that. That afternoon over 15 years ago Thistle trailed 1-0 at half-time but second half goals from Albert Craig and Roddy Grant earned Thistle a vital win, relegation that season only being avoided by goal difference.
The current long run without a win at Rugby Park is, as any older Thistle fan will tell you, in sharp contrast to a previous record of ours at Rugby Park. Thistle lost 4-2 at Rugby Park in February 1970 but wouldn't taste defeat at that venue again until April 1985. During the days of Bertie Auld's management at Firhill the final score of Kilmarnock 0, Partick Thistle 1, no matter how much the home side may have dominated, was a common one indeed. Thistle fans too will recall with affection the titanic Scottish Cup battle between the two sides in 1983 when they outcome was only settled in a third replay at Rugby Park with a Maurice Johnston goal enough to secure a 1-0 win for Thistle.
Tonight's match is obviously of much less significance but still an important part of both team's build up ahead of the start of the respective league campaigns.
Last night a Kilmarnock side took on another First Division side when they travelled to Starks Park to face Raith Rovers and drew 1-1 and will be looking to utilise those players that didn't feature in that match against Thistle tonight.
Thistle fans meantime can look forward to catching their first sight of new season Marc Corcoran in a Thistle jersey.
Match Details
Friendly Fixture
Wednesday July 29th 2009
Kilmarnock v Partick Thistle
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Prices
Adults £10
Concessions £5
