Bad timing for goals prove thorn in Gable Endies’ side

MONTROSE 0 PARTICK THISTLE 2

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie regretted the timing of the goals that beat his side as Partick Thistle eased their way into the last 16 of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.

Petrie said: “When you concede goals at the times we conceded them you make things difficult for yourself.

“We got off to a bad start, losing a goal inside two minutes. Our reaction to losing the goal was decent and we competed well. We started the second half well then conceded again and after that it was always going to be difficult against a good side.

“Partick deserved to win, but we will dust ourselves down and get back to league business next weekend. We spent chunks of the game on the front foot, but disappointingly we created no clear cut chances.

“With some boys getting back from injury we now have selection options and some players got important minutes on the park.”

Partick took the lead when James Penrice crossed from the left and Joe Cardle scored on the back post.

Montrose settled and on 15 minutes Ross Campbell had a header from an Iain Campbell free-kick saved.

Aaron Lennox saved from Mouhamed Niang, then on 31 minutes Cardle drove over from the edge of the box.

Just on half-time Cardle raced away on the left and his shot was saved.

Thistle stretched their lead on 52 minutes. Cardle put Ryan Williamson to the line and his cross was nodded home by Kenny Miller.

Tommy Robson stabbed the ball over for the visitors, then on the hour mark Cardle shot wide after a quick break.

On 63 minutes Reece Cole hammered a free-kick against the Montrose crossbar.

Montrose kept plugging away and as time ran out Scott Fox saved at the feet of Martin Rennie.

Veteran forward Kenny Miller scored at Links Park.