Partick Thistle v Clyde

Recap

Clyde travelled to Maryhill for the first time since Thistle’s return to the First division from the lower league and like so many games this season, the Bully Wee were left rueing a missed opportunity to pick up maximum points.

Clyde chose to drop Craig Bryson to the bench, with Roddy Hunter and Andy Ferguson disappearing from the first team altogether. Michael McGowan and Sean McKenna moved into the first team, with Dougie Imrie also returning after suspension.

The first half was certainly not a rip roaring derby. Apart from a weak Jimmy Gibson shot, neither side created anything resembling a chance, although Clyde looked lively on the break. The slippy turf seemed to be causing Clyde problems with McKeown in particular struggling to stay on his feet. It was the turf that produced the best effort on goal, adding pace to an O’Donnell pass back, which Clyde ‘keeper David Hutton did well to keep out with his feet. Other than a soft penalty shout by Gibson that the referee correctly ignored things were uneventful and most fans were pleased to hear the halftime whistle.

The second half saw an immediate improvement with Clyde upping the tempo and penning Thistle back into their half. Gary Arbuckle was soon introduced for McKenna and made an immediate impact, laying the ball into Paul McHale’s path, only for the skipper to fire well wide. Craig Bryson was also introduced for the hardworking McCann. As Clyde built up the pressure on Thistle’s defence, a goal seemed likely and eventually it arrived. A slack pass back by ex-Clyde favourite Pat Keogh allowed Arbuckle to run through on goal. His first effort was blocked by Arthur but the Clyde striker reacted quickest to slide home the rebound from a tight angle.

Clyde continued to take the game to Thistle, however chances were at premium with Thistle’s well drilled rearguard restricting Clyde to long range chances. One of these fell to O’Donnell but his curling effort dipped just past the post. Then a low Eddie Malone cross fell just behind Arbuckle, who slipped as he tried to retrieve the situation. Thistle’s Darren Brady then joined Imrie and McHale in the book for a poor challenge on O’Donnell and the resulting injury was to have an effect on the game.

With O’Donnell on the touchline receiving treatment, Thistle broke into Clyde’s half and neat play by Mark Roberts saw him set up Jimmy Gibson to header home the equaliser with Thistle s first real effort on goal. Although the goal was well worked, it does once again produce the question over whether those who inflict an injury should also have to leave the field until the opponent or a substitute returns to the field of play. Robert Harris then replaced O’Donnell.

The goal undoubtedly inspired Thistle and they contrived to pass up three good crossing chances as they got in behind McGowan on several occasions.

Despite Thistle finishing the stronger, Clyde deserved at least the point that they took home. With three out of the four pre-Christmas games at Broadwood, Clyde still have a chance to get back in touch with the league leaders.

MotM: Neil McGregor. Outstanding defensively once again and comfortably kept the dangerous Roberts away from Clyde’s goal.