The Thistle Archive

Media report

THIS was a victory for Partick’s determination over Motherwell’s ambition. The Glasgow side have been given a glimpse of the First Division through the Premier trapdoor for most of the season, and in applying themselves to a brand of football which may not be pretty to watch, but is effective, they have embarked on a run of seven games without defeat which has given them more than an even chance of surviving. Motherwell may have loftier ambitions; although their chance of heading Rangers in the title race is over they are still eyeing up the automatic European place that comes with second position. The day undoubtedly belonged to John Lambie’s men, with goals in each half from Cameron and Craig, whereas Motherwell were a degree below form.

In the 13th minute, Partick took the lead. Cameron dispossessed van der Gaag, linked with Foster on the edge of the penalty area, then took the ball round Woods to score. The home side responded to the goal forcing Walker into saves from Lambert and Coyne before equalising from a well worked move. Dolan’s cross from the left was headed back by Davies to Burns who controlled the ball with his chest before shooting into the corner of the net. Immediately, Motherwell lost the services of van der Gaag, the Dutchman’s home debut being curtailed through injury.

Four minutes into the second half, Craig scored perhaps the most priceless goal of Thistle’s season. His forward run into the penalty area was picked up by Turner who released an inch-perfect pass to the feet of the midfield man who simply rolled the ball into the corner of the net. Thereafter, Thistle’s ambitions remained nothing short of defending their lead which they did with bravado and gusto against a Motherwell side which appeared devoid of the guile required to break down a wall of visitors’ jerseys.

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