Archibald fully focused on Dundee clash following Thistle’s defeat to Motherwell
Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2018 by PA
Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald told his players to focus on Saturday’s trip to Dundee after a 1-0 home defeat by Motherwell effectively consigned them to the Ladbrokes Premiership bottom two.
Ryan Bowman’s free header on the hour mark ensured Thistle have little chance of catching Hamilton, who are three points and 13 goals better off.
The only consolation was Ross County lost 1-0 against Dundee and remain two points adrift at the foot of the table.
But the Staggies have a nine-goal advantage and Thistle know they might need to win at Dens Park to avoid automatic relegation.
Archibald said: “It’s in our hands for the play-off spot. We know that, we have got to recover and make sure we are ready to go. We have got to go and get three points.
“The performance was what we asked for in terms of the first half and the way we started the game, we created a couple of good opportunities, but you have got to take them when you are on top.
“Motherwell came out better in the second half. I thought we rode that storm but we lose a goal from a set play.
“It probably sums our season up, we don’t take our chances and we don’t defend our box well enough.”
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson helped change the game by bringing on midfielder Gael Bigirimana for wing-back Stephen Hendrie and moving to a midfield diamond.
Robinson said: “It was an excellent three points, a 19th clean sheet of the season which I think equals an all-time club record.
“We battled and scrapped for absolutely everything. People said we didn’t have anything to play for but we showed we did.
“Partick Thistle started brighter than us, they are a good side and are fighting for their lives. But we fought our way into the game and changed the shape at half-time and I thought it worked well. And what happens in both boxes dictates games.”
There was a scare ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup final when Cedric Kipre went down in real pain but he continued after treatment.
Robinson said: “Cedric has dislocated his thumb. We’ve got a few injuries so it’s something we have to look at and see what we do for Saturday.
“Richard Tait was sick all last night, Liam Grimshaw’s knee swelled up from Saturday. We don’t have to take risks at this moment.”
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