The Thistle Archive

Media report

Lochlin Highet, 28-Jul-2018, Daily Record

Impressive Ayr United made it 12 points from 12 after putting lacklustre Partick Thistle to the sword. Ian McCall's side breezed through the game, and a Michael Moffat strike and a stunning Lawrence Shankland effort meant that the Honest Men topped the group and will be seeded in the last 16 for the second year in a row.

A Partick header was goal-bound after four minutes, but goal king Lawrence Shankland was the hero at the other end with a vital goal-line clearance. And just a minute later United were up the other end - as Michael Moffat knocked in a close-range finish after a mazy run from Robbie Crawford. And Ayr fans were celebrating after 17 minutes when a Shankland free-kick flew just past the post - but from the away end it looked as if it had flown into the top corner. After 20 minutes United had another wonderful chance when Shankland slipped Moffat through on goal, but Cammy Bell pulled off a good save from the effort. Just two minutes later the Honest Men could have doubled their lead when Shankland fired a shot across goal, but Moffat couldn't get the vital touch. Partick had a great chance after the half-hour mark, when Blair Spittal fired a header just over the bar. And just two minutes later Shea Gordon found himself in acres of space, but his shot was easily saved well by Ross Doohan.

Five minutes into the second half Shankland curled a shot just wide of the post as he attempted to double Ayr's lead. And just a few minutes later Shankland had another shot after great play from Alan Forrest, but Shankland fired over. Just after the hour mark Shankland burst through Partick's defence and knocked the ball back to Moffat, who's shot went straight at Cammy Bell. And Shankland was finally rewarded after 66 minutes. He was given the ball from Moffat 40 yards out and spotted Bell off his line and smashed a volley straight over him in stunning fashion. With just minutes left on the clock Partick's Miles Storey had a chance put on a plate for him, but somehow put a header wide from three yards.

Reaction

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald (speaking to Jagzone):

The first five minutes were positive and we looked dangerous. However, we then concede a quite ridiculous goal and suddenly don’t look as good and everything slowed down. We took a while to get back into the game and didn’t really work the goalkeeper enough from that point on which was very disappointing because we had plenty of possession. We were alright in possession in the first half but still only created half chances. Overall, we didn’t move the ball quickly enough and our decision-making was all wrong at times; epitomised by the opener. Ayr were disciplined and because we took too long to move the ball, they were able to get back into shape easily which made it extremely tough to score. We knew that a win would put it beyond any doubt but we didn’t perform today. Everyone knew the situation and now it comes down to one game where we need a certain result which is not nice considering it was all in our hands ahead of today. We’ve let ourselves down and have to hold our hands up to take the blame.

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