Thistle win in Cup

Last updated : 02 August 2004 By Ally
The Jags first competitive game of the season came in the form of Brechin in the Challenge Cup. Brechin had former jags Paul Deas and Jamie Smith in their squad for the visit to Firhill.

For the first 10 minutes the game was mostly played in the midfield, the wide men getting plenty of room on the flanks, but never really got the telling cross into the box.

In the 10th minute Willie Howie made a run into the box and had his legs taken by Brechin keeper Hay. Jamie Mitchell stepped up to take the spot-kick but Hay redeemed himself by going the right way and saving high to his left.

5 minutes later though it was Thistle who broke the deadlock, a Derek Fleming corner was headed on by Ramon Escales and Billy Gibson was there to prod it in at the back post.

On the stroke of half time the impressive Juan Ramon Escales got the goal he deserved. Mitchell and Anis exchanged passes on the right and the ball found its way to Escales who slotted home from close range, not the most spectacular goal ever, but they all count.

In the second half Thistle dominated, plenty of chances set up and plenty missed too. However in the 61st minute Escales got his second of the game. A Stevie Fulton corner was floated in perfectly onto the head of the Spaniard who nodded into the net to make it 3-0 to the Jags.

Thistle continued to make plenty of chances and had another good penalty claim, which was turned down by the whistler. Willie Howie dribbled past 3 men and was about to shoot when his legs were taken away, however the referee disagreed and waved away and claims.

Not Thistle's best ever performance but still managed to win comfortably, good performances from Steve Fulton, Juan Ramon and Jean Anis.