MATCH PREVIEW: SAINTS VERSUS PARTICK THISTLE
26th July 2016
Tomorrow evening, St. Johnstone will host Partick Thistle in the first of three consecutive Wednesday night matches at McDiarmid Park (kick-off at 7.45pm).
On Saturday afternoon, Saints bounced back from their midweek defeat at Firhill. Liam Craig converted a last-gasp penalty in a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen. Simon Church had opened the scoring for Derek McInnes' Dons in a well-matched first half, but the home side were unable to add to their lead. They ultimately paid the price for failing to take advantage of their increased dominance as the match wore on.
Nonetheless, it was an encouraging St. Johnstone performance. The result (which has ensured a return to 4th place in the Scottish Premiership) will hopefully revitalise Tommy Wright's squad as they look to embark upon an improved run of form. Saints have an almost immediate opportunity to make amends for last week's 2-0 loss against Partick Thistle.
Depending on the outcome of tonight's Kilmarnock v Ross County league clash, there may potentially be an opportunity for St. Johnstone to move three points above the latter with a win in tomorrow night's important encounter. The Jags were left disappointed after a 3-1 defeat against Motherwell on Saturday afternoon. However, it wasn't necessarily a damaging result. Partick have played fewer games than any other top-tier team. A positive result against Saints could put them within touching distance of the top six.
Recent head-to-heads suggest that this will be a tough one to call. Alan Archibald's men have won the previous three meetings between the two clubs, yet Saints have an excellent home record against the Firhill side. They have lost only one of the previous fifteen matches against Partick at McDiarmid Park.
Tommy Wright has been boosted by the news that Murray Davidson will be available for selection once again. Injured duo Chris Millar and Brian Easton remain doubtful.
In this incredibly tight league, one negative result could drag St. Johnstone into the bottom six. Thinking more positively, a victory would further cement their current status in the top half of the league table. Come along to McDiarmid Park tomorrow. Your support will be vital whilst Saints aim to build upon Saturday's confidence-boosting result.
Come on ye Saints!
Match preview by Ollie Wale
ADMISSION DETAILS
WEST STAND
Adult - £23 Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £14 13 - 16 year olds - £13 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of two children per adult) - FREE
EAST STAND
Adult - £22 Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £12 17 – 18 year olds - £11 13 - 16 year olds - £8 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of two children per adult) - FREE
ORMOND STAND (SSE FAMILY SECTION)
One adult and up to two children aged 12 or under can gain admission at a cost of £15. Unaccompanied adults or children aged 12 or under will not be admitted. Children aged 13-16 can gain admission at a cost of £8. Additional adults within a'family group' are admitted at a cost of £15.
AWAY SUPPORT
Partick Thistle fans will be accommodated in the north end of the Main Stand.
Adult - £22 over 65s - £12 13-18 year olds - £11 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of two children per adult) - FREE