Jags Lose Again

Last updated : 16 September 2004 By Chris Gallagher

Four games, four defeats for the Jags but this was a spirited and gutsy display by ten men who were only undone by the cruellest of means-The penalty shoot out.

Juan Ramon Escalas the player of the early part of the season so far was the sinner but this is hardly an apt description for a man who has contributed so greatly to the early part of Partick’s campaign.

Any hopes Thistle had of repeating the league win secured on this ground less than a month ago suffered an early blow when Kenny Milne walked for a professional foul on ex St Miren striker Steven McGarry.

With only ten men to tackle the northerners after the long trip to Dingwall the Jags almost added further to their own downfall when the usually assured Kenny Arthur dropped the resultant free kick but the danger was cleared.

After half an hour the visitors were gaining a foothold back in the game and Leigh Hinds dispossessed David Winter and cracked a fearsome effort against the crossbar.

After the interval the luckless Glasgow outfit suffered a double blow. Billy Gibson was carried of on a stretcher then after 65 minutes David Winters turned Don Cowie’s cross home to give the home side the lead.

With County anticipating a semi-final place the Jags retort left them dumbfounded. Manny Panther letting of a howitzer which flew home from 30 yards.

After a 30 minute period of extra time the luckless Thistle were finally undone in the penalty shootout when Escalas blew his opportunity and sent County into the last four.

Four straight defeats and of the pace in the 1st Division is not the ideal start and the expectant red and yellow army will demand more but lets keep our heads and be patient.

Patient that is until 4.45 on Saturday after the Queens game. Another defeat and the Jags fans, players and especially Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte could be facing a long hard season ahead

Big Match Reaction

Derek Whyte said: “I am so proud of the way we played as I thought we were the better side in terms of organisation, fitness, spirit and effort. We never gave up and I couldn't fault any player for their part in the game and we managed to take it to penalties and it was one of those things. Juan had practiced penalties on Tuesday and never missed one, it is one of those things, better players than him have missed penalties.

We were disappointed to go out because we really wanted to win this cup but we will rest the legs now ahead of Saturday which is another very important game against Queen of the South and hopefully get the win there to get us back into winning ways."