Stand-in boss defiant after Gartcairn defeat
Ryan can’t guide Jags to victory in gaffer’s absence
Equaliser Pics: James Andrew McGowan
“We started slowly and got punished for that. Everyone was caught on their heels at the first goal and nobody was there to clear the ball, so that was disappointing.
“But we were the better team in the first half.
“We created more chances and when you are on top in games you have to make it count. “We didn’t do that.” Ryan was impressed with the performance of goalkeeper Ross Meldrum, who made a string of saves in the second half to prevent a heavier beating, as Thistle’s run of two wins on the bounce came to a halt.
He added: “Gartcairn were the better team after the break and only a few saves from Ross stopped it being a bit of a doing, to be honest.
“We were losing individual battles all over the park and that was really disappointing after the last two weeks, where we’d taken six points [from games with Yoker and Royal Albert].
“Hopefully, we can get this out of the system quickly and come back stronger on Saturday.”
The Jags travel to Maryhill this weekend and with Ryan’s side just a point above their rivals, who sit 10th in the table, he reckons it’s a game they must win.
He said: “Maryhill haven’t had the best of starts, but every game in this league is difficult.
“All the teams are capable of beating each other.
“But when you are playing the teams around you, that’s when you have to take the three points.”
Alan Paterson will be back in the dugout for Saturday’s clash at Lochburn Park. Kick-off is 2pm.