FIRHILL FOR NILS
But stalemate suits Arbroath as play-off slot is all but sealed
Arbroath missed a chance to close the gap on leaders Kilmarnock but effectively booked their place in the Premiership play-offs.
Veteran manager Dick Campbell lost his temper on the touchline over a challenge that saw Chris Hamilton stretchered off and picked up a booking from ref Alan Newlands.
But his team emerged with a hardfought point which makes it next to impossible for them to miss out on the play- offs – and they still sit just four points behind Killie.
Assistant manager Iain Campbell was full of praise for a part-time squad who are on the verge of making history.
He said: “It’s testament to everyone at the club. Not just Dick or the players who have been magnificent but the whole club.
“Anyone who thinks the season is finished is wrong – you can see the way we play and the spirit we have.
“We’re just getting going and enjoying it so let’s look forward to next week. I thought the boys were first class. We came here to take three points but I’m satisfied with a draw”
The first real opportunity of an entertaining 0- 0 came on 33 minutes when Ciaran McKenna sent in a good cross for Brian Graham. As he stretched he did well to get his header on target but it was never going to beat Derek Gaston in Arbroath’s goal.
Then Campbell took the short walk into the main stand.
The Arbroath manager was furious ref Newlands didn’t immediately stop play when it was clear midfielder Chris Hami lton was hurt fol lowing a Kyle Turner challenge which deserved a booking but went unpunished.
Campbell paced the touchline, made his feelings obvious and picked up a card of his own before Hamilton was carried from the field.
Brother Iain thought the challenge was “shocking” and revealed Hamilton left the ground on crutches.
He said: “It was a sending- off without a doubt. That’s when Dick got booked. The ball got away from him and Kyle tackled him late. But I don’t think there was any malice.”
David Gold, who replaced Hamilton, then hit the Thistle post with a fine effort just before half-time.
The Jags should have scored immediately after break and captain Kevin Holt could hardly believe it as he sent a free header over from a few yards out. The home side went even closer on 61 minutes when Graham was picked out by Stephen Hendrie and the big striker’s header brought the best in Gaston. The goalie made an even better stop seconds later to keep out Tiffoney.
Arbroath sub Luke Donnelly might have done better late on but sent his half-volley at Jamie Sneddon.
Thistle sit fourth and still have a bit of work to do in the play-off race.
Manager Ian McCall said: “Arbroath have done brilliantly but they should have lost today. We had a lot of chances. We may be running into form in terms of getting players on the pitch. We had three today who hadn’t trained all week.
“For Brian Graham to last 90 minutes was heroic. I thought they looked fresher because the games are going week to week like everyone else.
“A draw might have been fair albeit we shaded it on chances. The save to keep out Brian’s header was terrific.
“Arbroath are a good side. I don’t know why Dick says they don’t get the credit they deserve. They get more credit than Brazil’s 1970 team!”