On-fire Fitzpatrick at the double for ‘excellent’ Jags
Alston (36), Fitzpatrick (41, 50)
Partick Thistle cruised into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a clinical display of finishing, power and determination against a Queen’s Park side that lacked a cutting edge.
In an all-Championship clash an Aidan Fitzpatrick double either side of the interval saw the Jags on easy street.
Thistle boss Kris Doolan, who heaped praise on Fitzpatrick said: “I played a long side him before he went down to Norwich.
“He went down a wee boy and has come back a man and physically ready. He is two-footed and has so much to his game.
“He is invaluable to us the way he plays. He must be a nightmare to play against and two good finishes, including a header which he’s not known for.
“He has all the pace and trickery in the world. He works hard all week and is a terrific professional.”
Remarkably the third round tie yesterday was the first time the two Glasgow clubs had met in the Scottish Cup for 95 years. Then, it was in the quarter-finals, in front of 65,000. Slightly fewer braved the sub zero conditions this time around at Firhill.
Doolan added: “I thought we were excellent and could have scored more. We took control of the game. I felt everyone contributed and the intensity never dropped.”
The Jags opened the scoring in 37 minutes when Blair Alston sent a magnificent 20-yard angled drive soaring high into the net to send the Thistle fans into raptures. They doubled their lead in four minutes later when Lawless darted down the right and clipped over a magnificent cross for the outstanding Fitzpatrick to head home from eight yards.
The Jags’ passage to the fourth round was secured five minutes after the restart when Fitzpatrick notched his second when he ran on to a return pass on the left from Ben Stanway to bury the ball into the far corne.
Thistle almost made it four in 62 minutes but Brian Graham’s 20-yard drive was just wide.
The pressure was relentless and two minutes later only another excellent save by Callum Ferrie prevented Lewis Neilson from netting.
Queens head coach Robin Veldman said: “If we take one or two chances we had early on it’s a different game. We had a lot of possession early on then became nervous and lost a lot of sloppy balls and gave Thistle encouragement.
“We lost a goal after half-time and the game was dead. Games are decided by goals and we just need one result to get our confidence. During the week I see a competitive squad who are ready to go.”