BBC Match Report- Partick Thistle V Dundee

A little later than anticipated, but here is the match report I completed for the BBC for the Partick Thistle V Dundee match on April 1. I’ll scan then upload the original copy at a later point!

Partick Thistle 1-0 Dundee

Partick Thistle dented Dundee’s First Division title hopes with a late winner from Mark Roberts in an exciting and controversial clash at Firhill.

Dundee went close to opening the scoring late in the first half but Mickael Antoine-Curier could only fire over from 18 yards out.

The game exploded into life on the hour mark as referee Steven Nicholls awarded Thistle a penalty after David Cowan fouled Stevie Murray.

But after consulting with his linesman Nicholls changed his mind and awarded a drop ball.

Jags sub Roberts won the game with two minutes left, poking the ball through Craig Samson’s legs after Simon Donnelly cushioned Marc Twaddle’s cross into his path.

Dundee’s David O’Brien had earlier shot wide with goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey beaten while Antoine-Curier again went close.

But the visitors failed to capatalise and remain four points adrift of leaders Hamilton Accies with four games remaining.

Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall:

“First half Dundee had the better of the game without creating a chance. In the second half I thought we were different class and we passed them off the pitch.

“Then there was the penalty that was and wasn’t. I’ve never seen anything like it in 25 years.

“I wondered whether the linesman was wanting to send someone off, but the referee had as good a view as the linesman. Luckily, it didn’t influence the game.”#

Dundee boss Alex Rae:

“I thought the boys did ever so well. Thistle have snatched a winner at the end. We dominated throughout and probably had the chances earlier in the game to put it to bed.

“With the penalty I actually thought our player got the ball. Thankfully, the linesman was big enough to make the right call.

“I’ve given officials a lot of stick over the course of the season, but I have to give that fella a bit of credit then.

“Hamilton are in the driving seat now, but I’m encouraged by the way my players went about their business.”

Partick Thistle: Tuffey, Storey, Robertson, Kinniburgh, Twaddle, Chaplain, Rowson, Harkins, McKinlay (Murray 46), Gray (Roberts 59), Donnelly.

Subs not used: Little, McStay, Hinchcliffe.

Booked: Donnelly, Harkins.

Goals: Roberts (88 mins)

Dundee: Samson, Cowan, Noubissie, MacKenzie, Dixon, Daquin, McDonald, O’Brien (Swankie 66), Malone, Lyle, Antonie-Curier.

Subs not used: Worrell, Clark, Sturm, Roy.

Booked: Lyle, Cowan, McDonald.

Attendance: 2,426

Referee: S Nicholls