Partick 0 Dundee Utd 0

Last updated : 29 December 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Partick Thistle were unable to break down Dundee United, who held out for a 0-0 draw at Firhill.

Thistle started the stronger side and in the ninth minute Scott Paterson rose unchallenged above the United defence to meet a David Lilley cross, only to see keeper Paul Gallacher pull off a brilliant save.

Thistle continued to attack the visitors defence, but outstanding defending by James Lauchlan and Stuart Duff kept the scores even.

In the 20th minute Thistle again had a great opportunity to open the scoring when Lilley outjumped the backline, but his header from Alex BurnsÂ’ cross went over the bar.

The Terrors worked their way back into the match and in the 22nd minute Steven Thompson headed a Charlie Miller free-kick narrowly over the bar.

United maintained the pressure and outstanding goalkeeping by Kenny Arthur in the Thistle goal stopped ThompsonÂ’s shot in the 26th minute and a further header from Derek Lilley.

Play became very scrappy and referee Alan Freeland has his work cut out to keep control of the match, with yellow cards and warnings being issued to Thompson and Criag Easton, along with Alan Archibald.

United started the second half putting Thistle under pressure and after 47 minutes LilleyÂ’s shot was well saved by Arthur in the Jags goal.

Thistle refused to lie back in defence and came back and Gerry BrittonÂ’s effort from 18 yards out was well saved by Gallacher.

Two minutes later it was Burns who put United under pressure when he beat two men on the right, but his cross was wasted as it flashed across the goal with no Thistle player able to make contact with the ball.

Both sides freshened up the sides when Thistle took off an out of form Paterson and replaced him with Danny Lennon. United swapped Jamie Paterson for Warren Cummings.

Thistle attacked the United goal in the closing minutes with some good defending keeping the score goalless.