Partick Thistle were denied a Hampden semi-final after they were knocked out of the Premier Sports cup in a 4-1 loss to Aberdeen.
The Jags travelled to the North East with plenty of confidence on the back of a 2-1 over Hamilton to take them to the top of the Championship. Ian McCall named a strong side, with Saturday’s match winner Scott Tiffoney coming in. Rangers loanee Cole McKinnon was also given his chance to shine as the Firhill club set out to topple Jim Goodwin’s men.
But despite showing plenty of promise, the Jags found themselves down 3-0 at half time after a series of unlucky moments at the back. An own goal from Holt was coupled by wicked deflection from McMillan after Duk opened the scoring for the Dons. Into the second half, McCall made changes as Thistle fought back. Darren Brownlie came off the bench to keep the contest alive but ultimately the damage was done.
READ MORE: When is the Premier Sports Cup semi final draw, who is in the hat and can I live stream it?
Thistle fans travelled in their numbers to the North East but it wasn’t to be the quarter-final cup shock they hoped for. Here is how we rated Thistle:
Jamie Sneddon - 7
Was nothing he could do for the four goals but made some big saves when called upon. Pulled off a stunning save to deny Christian Ramirez and another big save to deny Kennedy.
Jack McMillan - 6
Made crucial interceptions and forced an early corner. Unlucky as shot defected off him for Aberdeen’s killer third.
Harry Milne - 6
Had a decent effort saved after racing into the box. Battled well in a much improved second half.
Kevin Holt - 5
Turned the ball into his own net to allow Aberdeen to stretch their lead to two goals. Gave Partick an uphill struggle. Bad luck continued after he was stretchered off just before the break. Replaced by Tunji Akinola.
Aaron Muirhead - 5
Given a torrid time in the opening exchanges by Duk. Received an early booking for a careless foul on the Aberdeen attacker. Should have walked minutes later for hacking down Duk. Subbed on 22 minutes with Thistle not wanting to risk going a man down.
Stuart Bannigan - 6
Snuffed out early chances for Aberdeen. Whipped in a great corner for Thistle to claw one back.
Steven Lawless - 7
An industrious display from the midfielder. Thistle battler covered every blade of grass as he put in a massive shift winning free kicks and corners.
Ross Docherty - 5
Robbed of the ball for Aberdeen’s third when Coulson nipped in before his deflected shot struck a killer blow for Thistle. Subbed for Cammy Smith.
Cole McKinnon- 6
On-loan Rangers youngster made a bright start, forcing an early save from Roos. Decent delivery into the box as Thistle racked up early corners.
Scott Tiffoney - 5
The attacker usually has more in his locker but never showed enough tonight. Subbed for Browline at half time.
Anton Dowds - 6
Showed promise in the first half with some early pressing. Header on target. Gave Thistle an out ball, but ulimately denied enough service. Subbed in second half for Graham.
Lee Hodson - 6
Came on for Muirhead who had received an early booking. The experienced defender was called into action right away dealing with Duk. Made a crucial block on the line to stop an Aberdeen fourth before half time.
Tunji Akinola - 6
Came on for injured Holt. Dealt with Aberdeen threat well in the second half. Strong display from the replacement.
Darren Brownlie - 6
Excellent towering header at the back post, kept the tie alive as Thistle bounced back.
Brian Graham – 5
Thrown on to replace Dowds. Struggled to make the same impact as the game became more and more scrappy.
Cammy Smith – 5
Came off the bench for Docherty. Kept pressing Aberdeen as Thistle imposed themselves on the game in the second half.
READ NEXT:
- Emotional Frank McGarvey admits he may never see Celtic fans again after hospital visit
- Ridvan Yilmaz Rangers theory floated by Barry Ferguson as he admits 'surprise' over lack of action
- Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton emotional Celtic goodbyes surface with 'love you' dressing room message
- Ange Postecoglou's powerful Celtic title speech surfaces as Josip Juranovic quip lands death stare
- When is the Premier Sports Cup semi final draw, who is in the hat and can I live stream it?
