Lambie's patchwork team is a shining example to others

Ray Hepburn

28 Dec 1992

IF there is any justice in football, Partick Thistle will be in place again next season to add their brand of skill and flair to the premier division.

Their patchwork team, skilfully placed together by the effervescent John Lambie, are exactly what the game needs in this era of elitism.

While politicking goes on in dark corners in an attempt to weed out the Particks of the game, Lambie's players are a shining example to others around them.

They are entertaining proof that it is feasible to assemble a low budget team and survive without setting up a fortress round the goal to irritate the aristocrats.

On Saturday at Tynecastle they gathered another precious point from a match in which they and Hearts could claim valid justification for victory.

Lambie honestly conceded that Joe Jordan's players claimed most possession and created more scoring openings, but his team had their moments as well.

Their movement and slick use of the ball in tight spaces were admirable, and they made wiser use of the wings than the Edinburgh team.

Hearts were hampered by the absence of a target man up front, and, although Allan Preston fired in several inviting crosses, they were obliged to try and play through Partick's defence.

Bargain buys Paul McLaughlin and David Irons had enough support and industry around them most of the time to make that a frustrating task.

Gary Mackay unlocked the Thistle defence in 58 minutes when he confidently slid the ball wide of Craig Nelson to put Hearts in front after sterling Wayne Foster work.

Partick, however, would not be deterred, and when substitute Isaac English fired in a cross from the left, Gerry Britton's instinct took him to the near post, where his neat flick beat Nicky Walker.

Ten of Lambie's starting team -- the exception was full back Boby Law -- have been rejected by other clubs at some stage in their careers, and the Firhill manager explained that two imminent recruits might offer him additional quality.

Frank McAvennie and Leigh Palin, who have not led monastic existences, will be available to him when Thistle meet Motherwell on Saturday in a match considered vital by the former Hamilton manager.

But he was adamant that the two bad boys would be required to toe the Firhill production line or find themselves back in the business of seeking employment.

"If they don't produce the goods they'll be out.

We need full commitment from everyone.

This is a chance for both players to show they can still perform.

But they're not coming here to roost," warned the avid pigeon fancier.

Victory over Motherwell this weekend could vault Partick back into the top half of the league, a magnificent achievement given Lambie's resources.

Taken from the Herald