The Thistle Archive

Media report

05-Mar-2002, bbc.com

PARTICK WIN BATTLE OF THE THISTLES. A fantastic free kick by Partick Thistle defender Scott Paterson was enough to earn his side a Scottish Cup semi-final place against Rangers. Paterson's 67th minute strike broke the deadlock in what had been a closely contested match at Caledonian Stadium. Caley Thistle had chances of their own, but could not find a way past Partick goalkeeper Kenny Arthur.

The first chance of the game fell to Partick after seven minutes in the shape of a Scott McLean 20-yard drive that fell just wide of the post. The heavy rain meant that the pitch was making it difficult for both sets of players and clear-cut chances were few and far between. As the game wore on, Partick were beginning to look more dangerous and were unlucky not to take the lead after enjoying two good chances in quick succession. Martin Hardie saw his shot touched past the post by goalkeeper Nicky Walker after 24 minutes. From Danny Lennon's resultant corner kick, Gerry Britton flicked the ball onto Scott Paterson, but he nodded a free header past the upright. With half-an-hour gone, Partick goalkeeper Kenny Arthur was forced to dive low to deny a long, low shot from David Bagan. Seven minutes before the break, a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box could have provided Inverness with the opener but Bobby Mann rocketed the shot wide.

At the beginning of the second half, Caley threatened when Bagan played the ball out to Charlie Christie on the right flank. He delightfully turned it onto his right foot and shot long and low at goal, but the effort was comfortably held by Arthur. Partick had the ball in the back of the net after 55 minutes when McLean fired a cross into the path of Paterson and he duly nodded home - but the far side assistant already had his flag raised for offside. Three minutes later, Stuart McCaffrey squared the ball to Wyness at the other end but he drove the ball wide. A Bobby Mann challenge on Gerry Britton proved costly for Inverness after 67 minutes. Paterson stepped up to rocket the ball into the top corner of the net from 25 yards, leaving Walker helpless. Inverness desperately pushed forward in search of an equaliser and with just seven minutes remaining, a thunderous effort from Duncan forced Arthur into a good save. But it was not to be for the home side and Partick progressed to the last four of the competition.

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