LESS OF THE BLIP
PARTICK TH v NOMADS
CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS are coming back to Scotland intent on proving that their shock Europa League win over Kilmarnock was no one-hit wonder.
The Welsh side face Partick Thistle in the fourth round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, just three months after they sent Killie out of Europe at the first hurdle.
Callum Morris was the heartbreaker that day at Rugby Park, scoring from the penalty spot for a 2-0 win that sealed a 3-2 triumph on aggregate.
He reckons the level of flak Killie took for the defeat – branded among the most humiliating European results in Scottish football history – was disrespectful to Nomads.
Today comes the opportunity to show once again what they are made of against a Thistle side who boast far greater resources despite their recent struggles near the foot of the second-tier Championship.
Morris said: “This is an opportunity to show Kilmarnock was no fluke, that maybe we should be taken more seriously.
“Especially after the first game when we were unlucky to concede a penalty and then from a last-minute corner. No one gave us a hope in hell for the second leg and their fans were already booking travel tickets for the next round.
“But the gaffer said to us we can still win this and everyone in the dressing room believed.
“This time it’s a different game and all eyes are going to be on us. But I don’t think we should be seen as favourites.
“While Partick Thistle aren’t having the greatest time at the moment they are still a big club and will be fired up to win.
“We’re just going into the AIRDRIE entertain Elgin with the Diamonds unable to call on Hamilton loan pair Leon McCann and Charlie Reilly who are cup-tied.
Rabin Omar returns to Elgin’s squad after a three-game ban.
Arbroath look to end a run of three defeats when they host Clyde at Gayfield and they have Scott Stewart available again after a knee injury but Gavin Swankie remains out.
The Bully Wee have David Goodwillie back in their ranks.
Inverness face visitors Alloa with the Highlanders missing Sean Welsh after he suffered a broken metatarsal. The Wasps game with our usual attitude and will be looking to win.”
Partick boss Ian McCall was in charge of Ayr United in the last round when they lost on penalties to Wrexham and is now plotting the demise of Connah’s Quay.
He said: “It is good to have this game. Rather than being idle it gives me another chance to get my ideas over to the players.
“Connah’s Quay will be difficult opponents. Going to Rugby Park and beating Kilmarnock tells me all about the task we face. We are in for a tough game.”
EUAN McLEAN
miss the injured Neil Parry and Blair Malcolm.
Raith host Northern Irish side Glenavon and Kirkcaldy skipper Kyle Benedictus has picked up a hamstring injury.
St Mirren Colts travel to the Racecourse Ground to face Wrexham. The Paisley youngsters include first-team squad members Dean Lyness and Cammy MacPherson.
Partick Thistle miss Shea Gordon and Cammy Palmer against Connah’s Quay as they have been called up to Northern Ireland’s Under-21 team.