Archibald eyes longer cup run
Boss Alan Archibald says Partick's Ramsdens Cup run last season has whetted the appetite for an extended showing in the Scottish League Cup this year.
Thistle progressed all the way to the final of the Ramsdens only to miss out on the silverware after a penalty shootout with Queen of the South.
Archibald feels their efforts in the League Cup have not been quite as impressive in recent years and he is keen to make amends this time as they prepare to face Cowdenbeath in the second round.
Archibald said: "It's very important to get a run this year.
"We've not had a good run for the last few years and have been out in the early rounds.
"The last four or five years have been really disappointing.
"We saw how good it was getting a run in the Ramsdens Cup last year.
"The fans enjoyed it and the players enjoyed it. We are desperate to win the game tomorrow."
Partick play host to the Blue Brazil on the back of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership which ended their unbeaten start to the season.
Archibald said: "The good thing about getting another game so quickly is that we can put the weekend game behind us and we are hoping we can get the win against Cowdenbeath.
"We were a lot better in the second half against Motherwell and we could maybe have nicked a point but we will learn from that game and move on.
"I know how tough this game will be because we played Cowdenbeath a number of times last year in the league and in the cup and there was always only one goal in it.
"They've got a similar squad so we know it will be a very tough game.
"I'm expecting them to come and attack.
"When they came to Firhill last year they came and attacked so we are expecting a very attacking side."
Stephen O'Donnell is a slight doubt as he struggles with a knock but Archibald hopes he will be passed fit.
Sean Welsh (dead leg) and Jordan McMillan (ankle) both remain on the sidelines.
Cowdenbeath have goalkeeper Grant Adam available after he served a one-game ban at the weekend when the Blue Brazil went down 3-1 to Alloa.
Everyone else in the Central Park squad is available to player/manager Colin Cameron as he looks for his men to put a disappointing start to their Championship campaign behind them.
Cameron said: "It has been disappointing to not pick up a point yet but the game at Firhill gives us a break from the league.
"Thistle are favourites and no-one expects us to do anything. We can go and enjoy the game and see where that takes us."
Source: PA
