It’s all go for Joe as the Jags cruise past the Mo
Montrose 0 partick thistle 2
Cardle (2), Miller (52) Thistle boss Gary Caldwell was a happy man as his side cruised into the last 16 of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup, and hopes that the professional display against League One Montrose will kick-start their league campaign.
Caldwell said: “It is never easy away from home against a lower league team as they are always up for it.
“We got off to a fantastic start with a goal in two minutes and after that we controlled the game.
“We could have done better with the possession we had, but I’m delighted with the win and a place in the next round.
“Joe Cardle was immense. He just loves the game and you can’t get him off the training field. He wants to get on the ball and wants to create.
“Asateamweare demanding of each other. We are out there to win.
“We need to get results in the league, but we simply have to go out and win a game of football, starting with a difficult game at Arbroath next weekend.”
Thistle got off to a flying start inside two minutes when Cardle arrived at the back post to knock home a cross from James Penrice.
Three minutes later, a drive from Kenny Miller was comfortably saved by home keeper Aaron Lennox.
Montrose had their first chance in 15 minutes when a Ross Campbell header was saved by Scott Fox.
In 25 minutes, Muhammed Niang collected the ball on the right for the visitors and his angled drive was saved.
Cardle continued to pull the strings for the Championship side and he drove over from the edge of the box, then just on halftime he raced clear on the left and had a shot saved.
Thistle stretched their lead in 52 minutes. Cardle put Ryan Williamson away on the right and his cross was headed home by Miller.
Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “When you concede goals at the times we conceded them you make it difficult for yourself.
“We reacted well to the loss of the early goal, then after starting the second half well we conceded another.
“Partick deserved to win but we will dust ourselves down and look to pick up points in the league.”