partickthedog

Agreed that O’Reilly for Muirhead is the only possible change. I think that the key may be whether Robinson can recapture his excellent form from last week. If so, I can see his activism disrupting Airdrie’s characteristic tactic of playing out from the back and picking out the free runner in midfield.

In the early part of the season McMillan was out for quite some time injured, and Milne was not playing at the high level he has thankfully now reached again, plus I think he might have had some injury absence as well as definitely a suspension after his red card at Morton. At that time Ngwenya filled in pretty well on both sides (although naturally more comfortable on the left) and had a fair bit of pace on the recovery if caught upfield (inevitable in our style of play). As said above, he would not now start ahead of Milne or McMillan, but would be a very solid option to have on the bench.

The ability to be omnipresent may be useful when playing football in one location and simultaneously coaching another team 50 miles away.

Is that the James McFadden?

I would regard Graham’s situation as relatively minor in the overall scheme of things. He can miss the Arbroath game. We have a squad and are well used to covering absences for all sorts of reasons. What is far more serious is leaving Thistle fans with the impossible choice as to which team to support on the day. The media seem to be focusing on Graham and ignoring the wider issue for the supporters. This will also affect attendance at both games.

Easy choices AHAHHAHH

So we have never done it twice in one season. An opportunity to make history!

Very convincing win today. Well on top even when it was 11 v 11, and managed the game effectively in horrendous conditions. The second goal was a spectacular long range shot. Thistle both hungrier and more skillful. Hibs seemed strangely lethargic. It may be that the early bookings and eventual red card made them nervous about making strong challenges. The victory is even more commendable when you remember that it is a part-time team coming up against a hybrid full-time/part-time team who are able to train together far more often. As regards the final, the position of Brian Graham as coach of one team and captain of the other is an unfortunate clash. However, the far more fundamental aspect of having the men's team and the women's team playing at the same time is the splitting of the potential Thistle support, which will be vital for both games. Moving one of the games to the Sunday seems to be the sensible option, but when did common sense have anything to do with such decisions?

The pyrotechnics at the start of the game will not have helped our cause either. Not sure what sort of "comprehension bypass" I am suffering from, but I cannot understand why anyone would bring one (or more) of such things into a football match.

Partick Thistle, Airdrie and Bonnyrigg Rose supply the underdog points. Now for the joker. Come on the Buckie!

Just want to give a shout out to Jamie Sneddon. No world class saves, but a lot of perfect positioning and safe handling.

Yes that was brilliant. Tied the defender in knots, fell over himself, then while on the floor stuck out a leg to prod a perfect pass to Kerr McInroy.

Pathetic minute of highlights on Sportscene. Was there even time to consume one Pringle?

Just about to go and watch Sportscene (sadly without Pringles), but before doing so wanted to underline how well Scott Robinson played today. A real livewire Number 10 constantly on the move, stretching the defence, playing in others with neat passes, great dummy after near post run for Brian Graham's goal, and of course on the spot himself to score on the stroke of halftime. Excellent ball-winning and retention, and won a surprising number of headers will well-timed leaps. If he can remain injury free and keep playing like that until the end of the season, that will be a massive plus.

Scott Robinson has been particularly good in the first half. Some feisty tackles by Harry Milne.

On balance it looks like "Yes", as weather appears slightly better for tomorrow. I really hope that whatever is decided, it is decided quickly today or at crack of dawn tomorrow to save unnecessary and uncertain travelling.

I would see it not as a dropping, but as a change of role for this specific game. A fully energised Brian Graham at the business end of the game would be a tremendous asset. Whether we were trying to equalise or to defend a lead his role and inspiration could be vital. If he has started the game he will be flagging by that time. Bring him on at halftime and he might still have to play his usual 75 minutes and he would be around for the penalties (where he seems to have re-discovered the scoring art) as well. I think I have convinced myself, but like you, I sense that Dools will conclude otherwise!

Cannot say that I knew Susan, but from everything said above and in the excellent tribute on the club website sounds like a wonderful person with that dash of fun and personality that was unique to her and yet at the same time characteristic of all that is best in Thistle fans. Taken far too soon. Condolences to all friends and family.

Out of likes, so will just say “Couldn’t agree more”!

Tried to send a laughing face but had run out of likes! PS But I do enjoy my occasional wins much more than those who win all the time!

AHHA AHHA BB. Thanks to your new rules, I still have some choices to make even at this late stage of the tournament. I have remained true to my principles by selecting the perceived underdog even when the teams are technically at the same level. Not sure if this is a winning strategy?!

I need shockers rather than snookers.

Lyon is both a scorer and a creator of goals, and a very tidy and intelligent footballer. I really hope that he can become a regular Thistle first team starter, though perhaps more likely next season than this

So good he said it twice!

Sorry to see Lee Bullen exit Ayr United. Came across as a decent human being, and was always fair and balanced in his post-match assessments (even when Thistle won!).