Archie looks for win number two against Blue Brazil

PARTICK Thistle captain Alan Archibald was delighted with the team’s victory over Cowdenbeath on Saturday - but insists the result will not have a bearing when the sides meet again this weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jan 2013, 10:15 BST

Thistle had to work hard for their 2-1 win at Firhill, with some nervous moments towards the end and Archibald was pleased to come out with the three points.

Archie, elevated to temporary managership for Saturday’s game following the shock defection of McNamara and Donnelly, said: “It was a tough game on Saturday, we didn’t get that third goal which would’ve settled us down, because of that the last 15-20 minutes were a bit nervy but the fans were great and we were confident in our ability. We were delighted to get the win.”

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The 35-year-old, who moved to 10th place in the Jags all time appearance list on Saturday, expects another tight affair at Central Park: “I don’t think winning on Saturday will have an effect on this game.

“It’ll be a hard game, it’s a tight pitch and that’ll be a bit of a leveller for both teams.

“Every time we’ve played Cowdenbeath this season there has only been a goal in it.”

With most First Division teams in Scottish Cup action this weekend the Jags can go two points behind leaders Morton with a win.

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The importance of that is not lost on the Thistle skipper - with a top of the table clash away to Morton just over two weeks away, he said: ”That’s on everyone mind, we know what’s at stake. We don’t need to look for other results on Saturday but games in hand are only good to have if you win them.”

Partick are set to be without winger Steven Lawless for several weeks after he underwent surgery on a fractured cheekbone this week and Archibald thinks that is a big blow.

He said: “It’s a big loss for us, I think Steven has 10 goals this season and a fair few assists, but we’ve got other players who can come in and do a job.”

There was better news for Thistle youngsters Stephen O’Donnell and Stuart Bannigan this week as Billy Stark named them in the Scotland Under-21 squad for next week’s friendly against Greece.

IN CHARGE . . . Archibald will be directing the battle from the dug out on Saturday following Jackie McNamara’s McNamara’s shock exit.

Related topics:Partick ThistleBrazil