partickthedog

Not expressing a view but simply reporting facts. On the way out of the Livingston away game I unwittingly found myself caught in the crossfire between the two rival "fan groups". On a dark night in an unfamiliar place, with people suddenly rushing around in all directions shouting and waving flag poles and other implements, and letting off exploding items, it can be somewhat disorientating. Thankfully I recalled my similar experience of 40 years ago on night exercise with the army cadets while regular soldiers threw thunder-flashes in our general direction, so was able to stay calm and use battlecraft knowledge to manoeuvre to a safe location. However, I can see that many would have been frightened or could have reacted in unpredictable ways with possible consequences I would not like to contemplate. Some might have been put off attending or bringing young or old family members to away games, especially in the evening. However blame is apportioned, this should have nothing to do with attending a football match.

Brophy had a decent scoring record at Kilmarnock. 29 goals in 100 league games. Since then he has not really stuck anywhere and has slowly wound his way down via St Mirren, Ross County and Falkirk. In that time he has scored 13 goals in 87 league games. Not quaking in my boots about his arrival at Falkirk.

I particularly remember the penultimate game of the league 2 years ago. Stevie Lawless had just equalised to make it 2-2. Graham "scored" in the last minute, but it was incorrectly disallowed for offside. If it had been given and other results remained as they were, we would have finished second in the league, and perhaps been better placed for the play offs.

Managed a couple of quick posts and then it was gloves back on in a hurry! Still don't think it was as cold as that night in Alloa.

Ben Stanway also wins best JagZone interview of the season as well. I love his attitude.

I think it stems from the first game of the 2012-2013 league season when the then North Stand for enthusiastic fans experiment was launched. Lawless and Doolan scored in the first 10 or so minutes, and that seemed to start a trend of always shooting that way. I would far prefer if we shot towards the John Lambie in the second half. Most games tend to open up and have more action in the second half, giving more opportunity for the fans to be involved supporting the team and putting pressure on the opposition.

What a goal, Ben Stanway! I was right behind the line of the shot. In all the way. Great to see someone who cares so much. Brilliant celebration as well. Far and away the moment of the season.

If we have to lose, let’s do it trying to win! Our players usually receive the ball facing backwards and that is then the only direction in which to play. In the words of Travis: Turn Turn Turn. My one hope is that Hamilton keep playing dangerous crossfield passes. If we could intercept one……

Totally agree with that last sentence. When there is an open space in front of you, drive forward into it, commit some opponents and maybe there will be the opportunity to shoot or play a killer pass. Why go sideways? Dan is doing his best but he is not a winger. We have 3 of them on the bench.

Assisted by Gary Cauldwell

I have chosen my team for tomorrow night. I am sure that others can do better: ARCTIC THISTLE John Chillcoat or Conor Blizzard Ricky Froster Derek White Abdul Snowman James Penguin-ice Ice-axe English Cold McKinnon Aidan Fitzbaltic Chris Eskimo Ade A-freeze Kris Coolan

It may rival Alloa v Partick Thistle, the night we lost 2-1 and Dave the Ukrainian made his famous tackle, as the coldest night in my history of following the Jags.

On further reflection I think that you are right. I have a vague memory of this being the last time that a particular terracing was used, but as you say it must have been the North End rather than the City End.

The last time I can recall the City End terracing being open was for our relegation decider against Ayr at the end of the 1997-1998 season.

Christie Elliott was also a notable hand/wrist bandage exponent!

That song would have worked perfectly for Chris Erskine. Pity no one thought of that, as Chris never had a proper song dedicated to him apart from the rather dull "Erskine, Erskine" chant. He was another who left, had some success with Dundee United in the second of his 3 seasons there, and then realised what he was missing and came back!

The earliest strike pairing I can recall watching at Thistle was Joe Craig and Doug Somner. Both eventually did well elsewhere, although not to the same extent as at Thistle. I think that Joe had a good season and a half with Celtic before going downhill via Blackburn and Hamilton. He never attained to the same prolificity as at Thistle. Doug did well enough at St Mirren to be inducted into their Hall of Fame as well as Thistle's (but he did score more for Thistle).

Just watched JagZone highlights. 2 observations: Ironically after all the comments about backwards and sideways movement, our only goal and indeed just about our only decent move came as a result of Turner running miles backwards and then passing it back even further. Possession quickly recycled and Chalmers released down the opposite side. Ball retention is no bad thing if it results in speedy and decisive action. Even in the brief selection shown, it was obvious how often our players were dispossessed or lost out in a 50-50 challenge or had passes intercepted. I am sure that none of our players are deliberately not trying, but there was a distinct absence of determination and aggression.

Yes, good to meet elevenone who was appropriately placed at Table 12. Looked like the eleven on the pitch had not previously been introduced to each other. I usually try to be positive in my assessments but it is difficult to find anything to say today. We have played poorly before this season, but this is the first time we have been completely taken apart. Not sure what changes of personnel or tactics will help us out of the rut. All I can do is toddle along to Hamilton on Friday in the hope that something will have improved.

That could work out well for you, as you are bound to get a place next year, when we are in the Premier League. 😁

Will do, so I can put a face to the score (11-1). I think that I will be the oldest person at table 7 (the rest seem to be my kids and their friends).

Looks like the skunk took over towards the end of each sentence. Translation from skunkian welcomed. Anyway I am sure that you had a good New Year!

Another one in hospitality. Maybe we should wear large forum name badges so that we can say "Hello" to each other. Agreeing with elevenone that Megwa should come back in at right back with Turner in central midfield and Crawford on the bench.

Couldn’t have put it better. Happy New Year to all!

One small consolation is that by losing a match to a late goal, you forfeit only one point, whereas if you concede a late equaliser you forfeit two points. Therefore hanging on to leads (which we have generally done successfully) is more valuable than hanging on to draws (especially when the team we lose to is not a direct rival as regards league position). I would regard this as looking on the bright side, but I appreciate that others may regard this as clutching at straws!