Ease off on our manager now, urges Paterson

Partick’s assistant manager Scott Paterson has praised under-fire manager Alan Archibald after Thistle recorded their first Ladbrokes Premiership win of the season.

The Firhill side came from a goal down to beat Dundee at the Energy Check Stadium thanks to a last-gasp winner from Miles Storey.

After last week’s defeat to relegation rivals Kilmarnock, questions started being asked of Thistle’s management team, with Archibald taking the brunt of the criticism.

However, Saturday’s victory means the Jags are now level on points with Killie and have closed the gap on Hamilton to just a point.

“Listen, we’re all in it together,” said Paterson.

“One thing I will say about Archie is he’s a strong character.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with him and play with him, so I know him. We’re good friends as well so I’m delighted for him and so are the players.

“The players have so much respect for him and they are just as disappointed when we don’t win games or don’t play well because they all want to do well for him.”

Archibald’s changes during the match paid dividends, with Kris Doolan having a hand in both goals and Storey snatching the winner at the death.

Paterson believes this is tribute to the squad he and Archibald have built at Firhill.

“I think it’s the first time in a while we have had a really strong bench,” he said.

“We’ve had a few injuries kicking about but they played their part and it’s massive you have a squad who can do that.

“We’re delighted for Miles (Storey) to come on and score his goal as well. He’s someone we’ve wanted for a couple of seasons and we’re just delighted for him.”

Former Dundee United striker Thomas Mikkelsen scored an 86th minute winner as Ross County beat Hamilton 2-1 in Dingwall.

Thistle boss Alan Archibald has not been without his critics.