MAKE YOUR POINT COUNT
McCall challenges his Jags to continue on from United draw
IAN McCALL insists Partick’s gutsy point against Dundee United will mean nothing if they fail to beat Dunfermline tonight.
The rock-bottom Jags host the Pars for the third match in a hectic seven-game March schedule that could define their Championship survival bid.
Stuart Bannigan’s penalty earned a draw away to the champions-elect on Saturday but the Firhill men remain winless in 2020 and sit three points behind Queen of the South.
And McCall admits he’ll only accept those battling Tannadice exploits as a point gained if his side grab a much-needed victory.
He said: “If we take the three points against Dunfermline then we’ll feel that was a good point.
“That would then set up a big game against Alloa on Saturday.
“Not in terms of points, because we’ve only got two, but in the last game and a half we’ve done well.
“We’ve looked far more solid and settled but there are still one or two boys getting up to speed fitness-wise who will be important for us.
“We’ve got an opportunity now to go and get a win against a team who have as much to play for as us because they’re just outside the play-offs.”
McCall hailed the importance of Reece Cole after the 22-year-old responded strongly to gifting United their opener at the weekend.
Cole was left gutted after passing straight to Dillon Powers who curled into the top corner from distance.
McCall reckons he bounced back well but wants to see even more from the former Brentford kid, as
BY LIAM BRYCE well as fellow youngster James Penrice.
He urged the pair to match the midfield standard set by Jags stalwart Bannigan after his cool spot-kick.
McCall said: “Reece is an important player for us. He came on against Queen of the South and changed it a wee bit.
“But he needs to get up to the same level of intensity as Stuart Bannigan showed on Saturday and so does young James Penrice.”
Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford admitted he has been delighted with on-loan Celtic striker Jonathan Afolabi’s impact in senior football.
The 20-year-old made only his fifth first-team appearance of his career in the 1-1 draw with QoS.
And it was the Irishman’s penalty, his second goal from three games, that sealed a point.
Crawford said: “He uses his body well, he brings players into the game and he has scored two goals. Long may it continue.”