Archibald determined to use Thistle’s strength in depth to finish top of their group
Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald has set his men the target of topping Betfred Cup Group E by close of play tonight by winning at Stenhousemuir.
He said: “Our win over Queen of the South means we have the opportunity to gain control of the group. Stenhousemuir will be tricky opponents but we have shown we have a bit of strength in depth now.”
Stenhousemuir boss Brown Ferguson accepts that his side will not progress from the group but wants them to be better prepared for the league season. He said: “We have to use what will be a testing 90 minutes to help us get ready for the challenges ahead.”
Queen’s Park host Airdrie at Hampden just ten days after the National Stadium pitch was deemed unplayable following a concert by Beyonce. Queen’s head coach Gus Macpherson said: “Players always get a thrill playing at Hampden.
“Our new lads are looking forward to it, but Airdrie’s players will get the same lift.”
Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark is looking for better from his side at Berwick Rangers after their 2-0 defeat by Morton on Saturday.
The Ayrshiremen are five points behind the Greenock side and Clark said: “We need to win our next two games and win them well.”
Berwick manager John Coughlin, who includes onloan Hibs pair Ben Stirling and Sean Mackie for the first time, has warned his team: “They [Kilmarnock] will be smarting and out to make amends.”
Albion Rovers player/manager Darren Young hopes that summer signing ryan wallace will help his side grab their first goal and first win when Clyde visit.
East Fife player/manager Gary Naysmith is keeping things simple ahead of his side’s Group A game at Forfar. He said: “There are various permutations over how our group could finish. However, if we have won in 90 minutes then we have won it. Our target is clear.”
Stirling Albion manager Stuart Mclaren said ahead of tonight’s meeting with Elgin: “Our group has teams from every league but this [game] will tell me most about where we are in terms of being ready for the league.”
Ayr finish their group matches at Livingston tonight. Manager Ian Mccall, who has a patched-up side, said: “We will look for the win that would put us on nine points. Hopefully that will take us into the next round where we should have more players available.”