The Thistle Archive

Media report

13-Dec-2003, bbc.com

DONS PILE ON THISTLE'S MISERY. Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson inspired his side to a crucial victory, which puts Thistle into further trouble at the foot of the SPL. The first half was an evenly-matched affair but Anderson scored shortly before the interval to give the visitors the edge. Anderson doubled his tally with a powerful header shortly after half time to put the game beyond the Jags. Chris Clark added a late third to ensure Thistle's caretaker management duo of Derek Whyte and Gerry Britton would not be handed the job on a permanent basis as had been suggested if a home win was secured.

Partick started the game well and had the best of the chances in the opening spell. A Kenny Milne shot deflected wide to provide the first corner of the game after six minutes and Derek Fleming picked out Adrian Madaschi, who nodded just over the crossbar. John Paul McBride tried his luck with a header from eight yards but the effort was easily held by Dons goalkeeper David Preece. Aberdeen started to come into the game and Madaschi was forced to make a clearance inside the six-yard box to stop a close-range Scoot Booth shot. A minute later Leigh Hinds played a great ball through to Chris Clark but goalkeeper Kenny Arthur pounced off his line to smother the ball before the Dons player could pull the trigger. But the best chance of the game so far fell to Thistle when Milne nipped past Kevin Rutkiewicz and only had the goalkeeper to beat, but he sent his effort across the face of goal and wide of the post. Seconds later, Thistle squandered another great chance when Milne set up McBride for the diving header but he was also off target and nodded wide. The visitors took the lead three minutes before the break. Scott Morrison's free-kick was met by Anderson and he sent his diving header past Arthur.

Aberdeen started the second half the stronger team and the travelling support screamed for a penalty when Hinds looked to be fouled by Madaschi, but referee Stuart Dougal waved play on. But the Dons did not have to wait long for their second goal. Clark's corner was met by Anderson, who bulleted home his second of the day after just four minutes of the second period. Aberdeen came close to grabbing a third goal when Ricky Foster lobbed Arthur but the ball landed wide. Thistle sub John Gemmell could have made an immediate impact on the game when the ball broke to him just outside the six-yard box but he struck his shot weakly and the Dons defence was able to clear. Gemmell passed up another great chance when his hesitation cost him, allowing Preece to clear the danger. The result was put beyond doubt when Clark slotted home in injury time to clinch Aberdeen's third goal.

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