The Thistle Archive

Media report

18-Aug-2001, bbc.com

Derek Fleming made it three goals in two games as Partick continued their bright start to their First Division return with a battling victory. The clubs have only ever met four times, in Division Two in the 1998-99 season, and Inverness won three out of four in their promotion season. But this time it was Glasgow's Thistle who held the upper hand as defender Fleming added to the two goals he scored in Tuesday's Challenge Cup victory. Paul Bradshaw was missing through injury for Inverness Caley Thistle. Partick's Barry Elliot, Paddy Kelly, captain Danny Lennon and David McCallum all missed the game through injury. New signing Murray McDowell was on the bench, despite scoring on his debut in the Challenge Cup in midweek.

The visitors should have gone ahead after only 90 seconds against the injury-hit home side. Barry Robson skipped away on the left and floated over an inch-perfect cross for Dennis Wyness. The former Aberdeen forward looked sure to net with a six-yard header, but goalkeeper Garry Gow leapt high to turn the ball over the crossbar. Partick were dominant after that early scare, with the experienced Gerry Britton leading the line in superb style. Britton went close with a first-time shot that was deflected wide. James McKinstry also spurned an opportunity before the home side finally took the lead. Martin Hardie released Britton and the striker broke into the box before rolling the ball along the six-yard box for Fleming to slide in and score.

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