The Thistle Archive

Media report

23-Feb-2002, bbc.com

HONOURS EVEN AT FIRHILL. The battle of the Thistles ended all square with Partick and Inverness serving up an entertaining Scottish Cup draw at Firhill. The visitors took an early lead through Dennis Wyness and the striker grabbed another goal in the second half. The men from Maryhill came from behind twice with Martin Hardie and Scott Paterson on target. Partick were firm favourites, having won the three league meetings between the sides this season, including a 4-1 win earlier this month. However, the First Division leaders struggled throughout the first half before finding form in an exciting close to the match.

Inverness made a promising start to the game and, with four minutes on the clock, the Highland side had their first chance on goal when Barry Robson unleashed a 25-yard drive that drifted wide of the target. Two minutes later, Inverness were in front. A Robson cross found Roy McBain on the left flank and he squared the ball into the path of Wyness on the six-yard line. The former Aberdeen striker swept the ball into the net with a neat first time effort. Wyness was looking dangerous for the visitors and he was unlucky not to add to his goal tally on the half-hour mark with a shot from just a yard out that skimmed across the face of goal before falling wide of the upright. As the game progressed, Partick began to claim more possession, but the Jags lacked a creative edge and an uneventful first half ended with Caley keeper Nicky Walker still to make a contribution of note.

The Highlanders were quickest out of the traps in the second period and Paul Ritchie's deflected shot spun wide of the post. From the resulting corner Ross Tokely found himself unmarked at the back post but headed over from just a few yards out. Hardie hauled Partick back into the game after 58 minutes when he grabbed the leveller. The striker met a long ball from Stephen Craigan and controlled the ball before sending a low drive into the back of the net. However, Inverness responded immediately and reclaimed their lead just three minutes later. Inverness captain Bobby Mann made a rare venture into the opposition penalty box and played the ball into the path of Wyness, who stabbed home from close range. John Lambie's side pushed men forward in droves in search of another equaliser and, with 15 minutes remaining, parity was established when Paterson controlled the ball with his head before thumping home a wonderful volley. Partick ended the game the stronger side, but could not make the breakthrough their noisy fans called for.

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