ERSKINE: WE CAN GO TON UP FIR GLORY
BETFRED CUP
BY ALAN MARSHALL CHRIS ERSKINE hopes the Firhill fans can cheer Partick Thistle on to success against Morton tonight – like they did in their last meeting in 2013.
Jags beat Morton 1-0 that night to take a step closer to clinching the First Division title. And Erskine reckons another victory could prove pivotal in this season’s Betfred Cup.
The attacker said: “That game was terrific and played in front of a packed Firhill. This one doesn’t have a title at stake but it could prove significant. We’d be in a great position if we win and Morton could be out if they lose.”
Morton lost at Ayr on Saturd ay and Ray McKinnon is trying to bring in a new striker with Denny Johnstone and Robert Thomson not yet fit.
Falkirk hope to bounce back from defeat by Montrose with a win against vistors Forfar.
And manager Paul Hartley said: “I’m looking for a more energetic and cohesive performance.”
Wary Forfar boss Jim Weir said: “Falkirk will have been stung by losing.”
Dun f e r m l i ne are bolstered by new recruits Faissal El Bakhtaoui and Myles Hippolyte for the visit by Peterhead and gaffer Allan Johnston said: “If we create chances then these guys will score.”
Jim McInally won’t focus on the Blue Toon’s 5-1 mauling at the Pars a year ago and said: “They’ll only use three players involved then so this is a fresh game.”
John Robertson wants Inverness to sharpen up at Cowdenbeath and said: “We were sluggish against Cove so I want better.”
Gary Naysmith warned his Queen of the South players to be on alert against Clyde and said: “Another win would put us in a good place.”
Arbroath have added defender Lewis Toshney on loan from Dundee United for the visit to Alloa while Queen’s Park have eight players set to debut in the trip to Dumbarton.
New Brechin defender Harvey Dailly, 19, son of Scotland star Christian, is set to feature at Stirling Albion as Stenhousemuir host Albion Rovers.
Montrose boss Stewart Petrie wants win No.2 against visitors East Fife.
And Annan boss Peter Murphy hopes for a repeat show against League Two rivals Berwick after seeing off Hamilton 1-0.