The Thistle Archive

Alan Temple, 18-Jul-2023, The Courier

Viaplay Cup misery for Jim Goodwin as Harry Milne seals Partick Thistle win: Dundee United’s miserable start to the season continued as they effectively exited the Viaplay Cup following a 2-1 defeat against Partick Thistle. Seeking to bounce back from a shock reverse against League Two Spartans on Saturday, Craig Sibbald opened the scoring following a neat exchange with Declan Glass. However, ex-United man Brian Graham levelled before Harry Milne completed the turnaround after the break.

Brian Graham haunts former club: It was Sibbald who notched the opening goal of the game, displaying super tenacity to rob Aaron Moorhead deep in the Thistle half. The combative midfielder then hared into the box to convert a cut-back by Declan Glass. But rather than build on their advantage, the Terrors saw Graham — who scored seven goals in 37 appearances for United in 2013/14 — torment his erstwhile employers. He fired over the bar from point-blank range after latching on to a Ben Williamson flick, before whipping a ferocious shot narrowly wide of Jack Walton’s post from the edge of the box. Graham bagged a merited leveller when he played a slick one-two with Williamson before smashing a low finish past Walton. A very tidy move; but too easy, from a Terrors’ perspective. The veteran marksman also won headers, drew fouls and ensured young Ollie Denham had a miserable night under the Tannadice lights before being replaced by Ross Graham. Walton was forced into a super save from a Muirhead free-kick after Denham was adjudged to have hauled down Graham on the edge of the box, earning the Welshman a booking.

Louis Moult is pitched straight into action: United fans were afforded a welcome boost prior to kick-off when the Tangerines announced the arrival of Louis Moult. And the 31-year-old was pitched straight into action, entering the fray as a second-half substitute for Watt. He stung the palms of David Mitchell from distance following a surging run by Kai Fotheringham and almost met a low cross from the same man. He will have more effective outings — and Goodwin will hope he is afforded plenty more service — in future, but getting minutes in the legs of their new No.9 is a minor positive from miserable night for Arabs.

United’s defensive frailties as pays off for Milne: Thistle’s marauding full-back Milne was denied from close-range by a sprawling Walton save after meeting a Graham flick. However, he would not be thwarted on the hour-mark when he headed home a deep delivery from the dangerous Stevie Lawless. Once again, the defending left plenty to be desired, with the Jags more aggressive and imposing in the danger zone — and United skipper Ross Docherty seemingly left to mark two Thistle players. And with Thistle able to defend their lead and pounce on the break, Walton — who looks a fine capture — made another plunging near-post stop to deny James Lyon. Focus turns to the Championship. Glenn Middleton came closest to taking the contest to penalties, whipping a fine free-kick inches past the post. But, akin to Ainslie Park on Saturday, United left the field to the sound of jeers. This result effectively ends their participation in this competition and does nothing to build any sense of a positivity following the travails of last term. Since the format change in 2016/17, no club has ever progressed from the group phase with less than eight points. As such, United’s remaining games will be exercises in preparation for the upcoming Championship charge — and on this evidence, there is much work to be done.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland:

It's a real sense of disappointment and frustration. The most frustrating thing is the manner of goals we conceded. We started the game brightly, we were the better team. Thistle started to go direct and we didn't handle that well enough. We need to be more aggressive. We need better decision-making. We had every ambition to get out the group, it's a competition I've always enjoyed. We shot ourselves in the foot on Saturday. It's early days, six new faces have come in, we're still trying to gel the players in. We have another chance to make amends this weekend.

Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan told BBC Scotland:

I’m hugely proud of them. There’s a young team out there with a lot of academy players, but we’re happy to play them. I think you can see they’re developing with each game. If you can’t play them at this stage of the season, when do you? Zander MacKenzie at 17 years old walks away with man of the match, just an absolutely fantastic performance. I’m delighted about the way we played with the ball and without it, I felt at the times when we were under pressure we kept our shape well.

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FIRST CUP WIN IN 48 YEARS

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