Clyde V Partick Thistle
It was a crowd of 3,500 who witnessed the last derby clash between Clyde and Thistle at Broadwood. That match took place on the first game of the season in blazing sunshine. Clyde fans approached it with some trepidation against the pre-season promotion favourites but the Bully Wee performed heroically and produced a marvellous team performance to come out 2-1 winners.
Now Clyde and Thistle are placed in a match that is arguably more crucial than the August encounter. Certainly the media has hyped this clash considerably, focussing on the ex-SPL club.
Though Thistle have not had their troubles to seek; many of their followers will be thinking that things can’t get any worse than a 4-0 reverse at Firhill which occurred last Saturday against St Johnstone. Therefore this match is fraught with danger for a weakened Clyde squad who enter the game rocking from injuries and suspensions.
The Bully Wee are hoping that their early season form can be rejuvenated in the special atmosphere of a derby match. It will be a major test for the young squad against a vastly experienced Partick team who will be out to prove their doubters wrong in the media spotlight that has been created.
At Firhill the teams drew 0-0 with Scott Wilson’s goal according to TV pictures being wrongly chalked off and it is likely that this weekend’s match will be equally tight. Speaking in this week’s Clyde View Billy acknowledges the importance of scoring first in this Division, possibly the most crucial factor in determining who will get the points.
Partick Thistle are at full strength while Clyde are definitely absent Darren Sheridan and Scott Wilson with Jimmy Gibson requiring a late fitness
Elsewhere in the Division, St Mirren play host to Falkirk as the Saints try and protect their unbeaten home record that has lasted since Clyde visited in January. The two in-form teams meet at New Broomfield as Airdrie United face St Johnstone. A Lanarkshire triple bill is completed when Hamilton play against Raith Rovers in a must win clash for both sides. Finally Ross County, who parted company with their assistant manager Jimmy Bone this week, face their longest trip of the season to play against Queen of the South.