ORDER of the THISTLE
Archibald urges Jags to be brave and keep their place in the Premiership
IT’S not about bellowing at your team-mates and running yourself into the ground, let alone indulging in flying elbows and waist-high tackles.
Bravery, in Alan Archibald’s view, is far more subtle. It’s about doing what you do best when under the most intense pressure.
It was patently what Partick Thistle did not show nearly enough of as they lost 2-1 in the first leg of the Premiership play-off final at Livingston on Thursday night — and what they will need to show much more of if they are to avoid dropping into the Championship tomorrow.
‘They must be brave in everything,’ said Archibald ahead of a seismic return leg at Firhill.
‘But bravery means more when you go and show for the ball. It’s not just about going in for a tackle.
‘We need to be brave by showing for it and wanting to play. It’s a big pitch, so we’ve got to make sure we use it.
‘It wasn’t that we were hiding (on Thursday). It was just that bravery to go and show for it, put your foot on the ball, trust yourself and your ability that you can control the ball and pass it.’
The high-energy, up-and-at-’em approach that has taken David Hopkin’s side to the brink of a second successive promotion was clearly evident against Thistle.
With their futures on the line, it is hard to imagine Partick were in the dark as to what lay in store — but what the visitors produced wasn’t even second rate.
‘I think it was just the occasion and we got dragged into making it a battle,’ lamented Archibald.
‘There were times we could have passed the ball and moved for it — but we didn’t. That was the disappointing thing.
‘There are two positives. We’re still in it and have another chance at it. And we can’t play any worse than that. We need to make sure it’s much, much better.’
It promises to be a fraught occasion. Some 22 years ago, Archibald was part of the ground staff as Thistle were relegated by Dundee United in the play-offs through Owen Coyle’s extratime goal.
The memory of that night remains raw, but the lesson to be taken from it might just stand the current squad in good stead.
‘I remember that game vividly, it was probably one of my worst experiences,’ said Archibald. ‘But it makes you aware of how quickly things can change with one kick of the ball or a last-minute goal.
‘I said to the lads before the game that their incentive is that Livingston are coming to take our place. I don’t think anyone likes anyone else taking something off them — and they are trying to take something from you.
‘You have to show that grit and determination to make sure you stay in this league.’
Archibald rates the chances of Chris Erskine, Christie Elliott and Abdul Osman as 50-50, although Niall Keown should make it.
‘They are desperate to play but if they are not right, then they are not right,’ he insisted
‘It’s important we’ve got guys who are 100-per-cent committed to the cause and make sure we get the best out of them.’
Hopkin’s men might well have to pinch themselves when they awake tomorrow morning.
Relegated to League One after losing a play-off to Stranraer two years ago, the team now stand on the brink of the big time.
Despite enjoying a slender lead, there is not a chance they will abandon the magic formula which has taken them so far.
‘This has got us to where we are now, so why would I change it in the last game?’ asked Hopkin.
‘It’s going to be a tough ask on a bigger pitch but we can’t let teams go and play. We haven’t done it all season.
‘We have everything to gain and Partick Thistle have everything to lose.
‘We go there with a game plan and, if we can replicate what we’ve done over the last three games, then we have a chance.’ No one epitomises the Livingston story more than Thursday’s match-winner Scott Pittman.
Son of former Thistle player Steve, he felt his career was destined to go no further than the Junior ranks with Broxburn and Bo’ness United before going senior with Livvy three years ago.
‘It feels surreal as you begin to think you are not going to get a move,’ said Pittman. ‘I was there for three years (at Junior level) without getting picked up.
‘Then my time came and I got my move. It’s been some journey from League One to potentially the Premiership.
‘I never dreamed of being in this position. We’ll all give everything we can against Thistle to try to reach the Premiership.’