Three points for the Jags as they move up the table: Partick Thistle Women 1-0 Hamilton Academical Women
Brian Graham’s Partick Thistle welcomed Hamilton Women to Petershill in what was an exciting clash between the two sides. A player of the match performance from Rosie Slater and a sensational attacking display from Cara Henderson was enough to earn the three points for the Jags.
After three defeats on the bounce, it was vital that the Jags got back to winning ways and that is exactly what they done with a comfortable performance on the park.
The game started slowly for Graham’s side as it took them time to find their rhythm. This came to the benefit of the Accies as they came out with all guns blazing. They had an early chance at goal from a set-piece, but Thistle defended tremendously to stop the ball at goal front. As the visitors continued to move forward with the ball, the Jags pulled off some good clearances as the defence made sure ‘keeper Megan Cunningham didn’t have to make a save.
Pre-match warm up at Petershill Park (Image: Anthony Devine)
Despite Accies slight control of proceedings, Thistle gradually got themselves into the game to even the playing field with some good counter-attacking football.
Rachel Donaldson had Thistle’s first proper chance of the game as she forced a good save out of Accies ‘keeper Donaldson.
The scoreline remained 0-0 as the first half continued with no real chances at goal from both sides. This was until around the half-hour mark when Thistle broke the deadlock to give themselves a one goal advantage. This came from a powerful header by Henderson, who now has six goals to her name this season.
The goal was a real turning point in the game as Thistle took full control of the match. They had some great chances at goal as they forced a good few corners out of the Accies defence.
Hamilton seemed unnerved by the goal and struggled to do much with the ball as they continually failed to hit Thistle on the counter.
Thistle came out firing with a chance at goal just seconds into the second half. The Jags hit everything at Accies, with multiple chances at the front of goal and even forcing set-pieces.
Accies got back into the game briefly with some good counter attacks, but Thistle’s defence was too strong. Henderson was a continuous threat at goal as she continued to make brilliant runs for the ball.
Throughout the half Accies had some good chances, but were thwarted by Cunningham as the hosts fought to maintain a clean sheet, in what was a well-deserved victory.
The result for Thistle means they move up to sixth place in the league table, one point ahead of Motherwell, who now sit in seventh place. Thistle will now move their full focus to the weekend as they welcome Heart of Midlothian for a vital Scottish Cup tie.
When speaking on the match, Graham said: “First and foremost, I'm just delighted with the three points, I thought the girls worked their socks off and gave everything after what was a difficult period in the league, so to come here tonight and get the three points, I think it will give us much needed confidence.”
He also spoke about his aspirations for a top six finish: “ Yeah, I've got aspirations, I won't hide away from the fact that I don’t just want to play in this league and obviously you don’t want to get relegated, but it's our second year at this stage and I don’t think many people would have given us the chance to be there. Credit to the girls.”
When talking about the break from league duty to play Hearts in the cup, he said: “Yeah listen, its needed, Hearts will come here and we’ll make it as difficult as possible.”