The Thistle Archive

Media report

CELTIC’S unimpressive league form continues to frustrate their massed enthusiasts. They had most of the play in each half against a willing and eager Thistle side but caused scarcely a flutter in the breasts of the Maryhill defence, who coped without much bother, writes Ian Paul. The Parkhead team’s seventh premier division match in a row without victory was the result yet again of inadequacies up front and not enough play down the wings to stretch a well-organised defence. Thistle might have stolen off with a welcome win of their own if they had grabbed a couple of chances and at least could claim to have had the ball in the net — a goal cancelled out because of a foul by “scorer” Roddy Grant — but they would be much the happier lot in the bath afterwards.

Celtic had left out Saturday’s striking partnership of Willie Falconer, who is injured, and Andy Walker, with Charlie Nicholas and Simon Donnelly but there was no real improvement in the shooting department. There was not a lot wrong with the opening play from both sides on the inviting, wide Hampden pitch but, if anything, Thistle were enjoying it more. Some of their early play, sweeping from one touchline to another, was enterprising indeed. The first shot of the night, however, came from Charlie Nicholas and tested Craig Nelson low down. But a Chic Charnley free kick from 30 yards, which went only a foot or so wide, was clear indication of the Partick confidence. Collins made his first serious intrusion into the action when he juggled around on the left before sending over a tremendous cross which beat everyone except Peter Grant, whose well-placed header looked a goal all the way until Albert Craig headed off the line. Grant was booked for blocking a free kick by Charnley but, as the Thistle man had tried to take it before anyone was ready, it seemed a harsh decision. Craig had the best effort of the evening to date when he smacked a volley from the edge of the penalty box only to see Marshall touch it over the bar. The Celtic keeper had to act smartly again when Grant squeezed in a shot from the bye-line but in the next moment Paul McStay tested Nelson with a low drive. Yet, the early sparkle had faded and the play had become a bit predictable.

Thistle began the second half with a splendid move, initiated by Derek McWilliams with a long, accurate crossfield pass to Charnley, whose immediate cross into the centre was just missed by the lunging Grant. Tony Mowbray, having his first game after a seven-match absence, had his name taken for dissent after he was judged to have fouled Gibson. Byrne created a chance for himself down the right for Celtic but was much too hasty with his shot and lofted it well over the bar. Thistle had the ball in the net after Grant headed in a fine Charnley cross but the referee decided the striker had used Tosh McKinlay as a lever. In 58 minutes Celtic brought on young John O’Neill for another youngster, Simon Donnelly. Celtic’s frustration was emphasised by the booking of Collins, of all people, for complaining to the referee. Mr Tran soon handed out another yellow card, to Craig for talking out of turn. It now appeared that there was maore talking than playing going on, and the 21,462 crowd were very annoyed at the fare.

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