Managers Post Thistle

02/08/08: "Their efforts were superb, they gave everything they had and knocked the ball about, played some good football, got into some good areas and we delivered some good crosses.

Jim McIntyre felt that the defeat to Partick Thistle was a painful one to take given the late goal that proved to be the winner:-

"It was sore to lose the goal with three minutes to go when I thought we were in the ascendancy.   First half I thought we were the better team; we came out and created good chances.  It was fairly even steven in the first half, we could have had a couple of goals each although I thought Thistle had the last twenty minutes.

"Second half we dominated it, we created the best chances but we lost a goal in the last couple of minutes which is an absolute sickener."

The Manager felt it was unfortunate that the woodwork kept the Pars out on three occasions:-

"Yes and I thought we should have had a penalty as well. The ref deemed otherwise but I cannot fault the lads I thought they were excellent.  Their efforts were superb, they gave everything they had and knocked the ball about, played some good football, got into some good areas and we delivered some good crosses. We have just got to be more clinical in front of goal."

Macca would only agree that his team would win more matches than they lose if they could turn in performances like they did at Firhill.

"If they show that desire and attiude and quality of football they will win more games than we lose."

Asked the mandatory question about potential additions to his squad Macca said:-

"Obviously I would like a couple more bodies but whether we get that or not we will just have to wait and see."

No doubt this is further hampered by the fact that Souleymane Bamba is still a Dunfermline player.  The Manager would not be drawn on what the situation was with him but it would appear that the big Ivory Coast player is heading to China for the Olympics.

The Jags Manager, Ian McCall thought it was "a terrific game of football."

"One goal was always going to win it. It is not as if both teams had no chances.  We had five or six good chances and Dunfermline had three or four anyway.  I am delighted to win but I feel for Jimmy."

Thistle drew these kind of games last year but Ian McCall added:-

"I look behind me and see Alan Archibald who I think is the best centre back in the league and Liam Buchanan, the best striker in the league.  That's like taking Wilson and Kirk out of their team.  If I can get two or three I'm after we could do OK.

"It was a great game of football, I am delighted to have won and we will just need to kick on.  It is just one game but it is always nice to win your first game in the league."