SNED IN THE CLOUDS
Jags keeper Jamie on a high as stunning run continues
Jamie SNeDDON reckons he is in the form of his life as he helps Partick Thistle’s pursuit of success at both ends of the pitch.
The keeper hit the headlines last month when he ventured forward to score a stoppage-time equaliser away to Championship rivals Cove Rangers.
On Saturday, Sneddon performed more of the usual heroics when he capped a fine display with a crucial save from Matthew Todd in the shootout as Thistle edged past Dunfermline to reach the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
The 25-year-old, who collected the SPFL’s goal of the month for his header at Balmoral, said: “It’s all been a bit crazy.
“Scoring the goal at Cove and then the penalty save against Dunfermline – they’re special moments for a keeper and I’m grateful they have happened for me.
“There is a bit of luck but I’m just pleased to be playing every week now.
“I’m enjoying it and feeling confident in my game. I feel I’m playing as well as I ever have.”
Sneddon also pulled off a wonder save to deny Pars striker Craig Wighton a 10th goal of the season during a fiercely contested cup tie at Firhill.
He couldn’t prevent Kyle Benedictus giving the League One pacesetters the lead from the spot just before half-time but Aidan Fitzpatrick fired Thistle level just five minutes after the restart.
Sneddon admits he was selfishly looking forward to the contest being decided by the drama of spot-kicks.
He added: “Both teams looked knackered in extra-time and I was just counting down the minutes, kind of hoping it would go to penalties.
“I love penalty shoot-outs. You’ve got nothing to lose as a keeper.
“You know you’re not expected to save them all and if you save one, it’s a bonus. I just tried to dance around on my line and hopefully put players off.
“I also tried to get our fans going behind the goal.
“They were buzzing for it and it hopefully made the difference. I don’t practise penalties a lot – it’s usually just at the end of training if a few of the lads want to take a few.
“I feel it’s just something that comes naturally to a keeper.”
The defeat was tough to take for Dunfermline who created and missed the best chances to win it during the 120 minutes. But defender Rhys Breen insists the end of their 11-match unbeaten run will not derail their season as they turn their attention to tomorrow’s SPFL Trust Trophy quarter-final at Dundee after two call-offs.
Determined Breen said: “The spirits are still high in our dressing room and we are proud of that performance.
“We can’t let that affect us. We were outstanding in the game but just didn’t take our chances. We will be ready to go again on Tuesday.”