Partick Thistle Football Club

Yesterday afternoon Thistle continued their happy habit of starting the season with a victory. Not since the start of the 1999/2000 season when Thistle lost 2-0 at home to Alloa Athletic in a League Cup tie have we started the season on a losing note and this is the third season in a row now that we have started with a victory.

Yesterday’s fixture, however, was no stroll in the park. Far from it with Clyde, as expected, providing us with a stern test especially in the first 45 minutes.

When www.ptfc.co.uk caught up with manager Ian McCall he was just happy to have seen his side progress to the Second Round of the ALBA Challenge Cup.

“It was exactly the kind of game that we needed. It was played like a cup-tie and like a derby fixture. I was pleased that with so many players out and with the young side that we fielded that we came through and won and I think that we merited our victory. Their goal was a fantastic strike and I think that’s about the fourth world class goal that we have conceded since we came back this summer.”

“I was pleased to see young Ryan MacBeth score his first goal for the club and I was also really pleased with the performances of Stuart Bannigan and Kieran Burns when they came on. I was especially pleased because with how they coped with the kind of atmosphere at the game. It was almost as if it was a home game for Clyde. The young players as I’ve said previously are the future of Partick Thistle but again as I’ve said in the past we need to nurture them through.”

There was some concern surrounding Willie Kinniburgh who had to come off before the end after soldiering on for a period after sustaining an injury in the early stages of the second half. The manager, before signing off, was able to give us the latest regarding Willie’s injury.

“I didn’t think it was malicious challenge but I did think it was a poor challenge. Willie though should be okay as it just looks like a case of bad bruising rather than anything more serious.”

As delighted as we all were to start the new season with a win it was a memorable afternoon for young Ryan MacBeth. The 19 year old starting only his second game in the Thistle first team netted his first goal, Thistle’s winning goal.

As you can imagine the young midfielder was delighted to have made such a significant contribution to the game.

“It was an absolutely brilliant feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net. I just concentrated on trying to get my shot on target and I couldn’t belief it when I saw it go in and I just turned to celebrate and saw the Thistle fans celebrating as well. It was a great feeling and it makes me hungry for more.”

“I think we deserved the win. I felt that Clyde tired towards the end and we got better. With just 20 minutes left I was starting to wonder whether we would get a second goal but felt that we could nick it if a chance came our way and we are pleased to get through what was a tough match.”