defeat on final day of the season...

This past Saturday saw Thistle wrap up their McBookie.com Midlands League 2023/24 campaign with a home game against Downfield. Westview was bathed in sunshine and a good crowd turned up to see the curtain brought down on the current campaign. Thistle were missing several players for various reasons, but the lads started the game brightly. The Spiders have also had a good season, and the first half was filled with end to end action, both teams playing well. Just as it looked like the teams were going in level at the break, a Downfield corner evaded the Thistle back line and was tapped in at the back post to give the visitors the advantage.
HT Kirrie Thistle 0-1 Downfield
The second half saw Thistle to continue searching for a way through the Spiders backline, but again, it would be the visitors who would strike again. There was nothing Josh Gorton in the Thistle goal could do about this sweet strike from fully 30 yards out. Less than 2 minutes later, the game was out of sight, as Downfield scored a 3rd. And with only 3 mins to go it was 4-0.
FT Kirrie Thistle 0-4 Downfield
Bryan Duell was philosophical afterwards. "I thought we started the game really well, and we had the better of the play and the chances, so to be suckered punched just before half time was disappointing. Again, we started the second half well, but the worldie that Downfield scored for their second was one we had to take on the chin. Fair play to the team, I asked them to run themselves into the ground one last time, as they have all season, so credit to them."
Not really the way we wanted to finish the season, but Downfield were clinical. It has been another good season from a Thistle perspective, finishing a place higher and more points gained in the league.
From everyone at Kirrie Thistle, from the Management, Coaching staff, Players and Committee, we would like to thank you for your fantastic support you have given us all season, both at Westview and on the away days too! A massive thank you to all our sponsors too!
We can't wait to see you again for season 2024/25! Have a great summer!

late, late show in coupar angus...

Thistle's late season winning streak continued this past weekend, when they took all 3 points with a narrow victory away from home, at Foxhall Park against hosts, Coupar Angus! With the sun beating down on the Strathmore Valley, it made for difficult conditions for both teams. The hosts settled the quicker, and were probing the Thistle defence with out troubling Josh Gorton in the goal. Thistle got a let off just before half time, when a Coupar Angus striker burst into the box, and despite looking a certainty to score, ended up scooping it over the bar.
HT Coupar Angus 0-0 Kirrie Thistle
Into the 2nd half, and Thistle began to start imposing themselves on the game, but the hosts were resilient in defence. The introduction of Gordon Norrie and Jordan Harris made a difference to the forward line, and just when the game looked like it would finish goalless, up popped Jordan Harris in the 89th minute to break Coupar hearts. Robbie Gallacher poked the ball through, and Jordan hit a sweet first time shot through the defender's legs, and into the bottom right corner beyond the diving keeper! Scenes!
FT Coupar Angus 0-1 Kirrie Thistle
Not the greatest performance, but another win and 3 points in the bank! Credit must go to a spirited Coupar Angus team who put their all into the game. Bryan Duell was delighted with the victory. "The temperature and surface made it difficult to get any momentum within the game. A clean sheet and another 3 points on the road, was all that was asked for, and the boys delivered that. Now we move onto our final fixture of the season at home next Saturday, and look forward to a well deserved rest."
Last game of the season is coming at you this Saturday, when Downfield are the visitors to Westview Park! 2.30pm KO! Hope to see you there!

kirrie run riot in arbroath...

And boy, was there plenty of them! Apologies for the lateness of the goal fest, as Kirrie Thistle served up a Top 10 to be proud of! Bryan Duell got the ball rolling early on, followed by Ben Starkey and Ryan Kerrigan made it 3-0 at HT to Thistle.
HT Arbroath Vics 0-3 Kirrie
After the break, Keggsy would score a quickfire double to complete his hat-trick! Further strikes by Dylan Wilson's first Thistle goal, Adam Fraser, a double for A Trialist, and rounded off by El Capitano Stewart Russell, completed a memorable victory for Thistle!
FT Arbroath Vics 0-10 Kirrie Thistle
Needless to say, Stephen McNally was a very happy man!
"We told the guys to go out today, be positive and ruthless from the word go. At half time, I told them I wanted 10 and that's exactly what they gave me. Everyone worked hard and earned the result, and we go into the last couple of games of the season with confidence."
Superb stuff! Next up, we head to Foxhall Park, to play Coupar Angus in the penultimate game of the season! This Saturday, 2.30pm KO!

back to winning ways...

It was back to winning ways for Kirrie Thistle, this past weekend, when Lochee Harp were the visitors to Westview Park, in this McBookie.com Midlands League fixture! After a run of 3 games without a win at home, including 2 draws and 1 defeat, Stephen McNally and Bryan Duell were keen to get their team back on the winning trail. Within the first minute, Harp almost took the lead, but were foiled by Darren Brown in the Thistle goal, who bravely came out and blocked an almost certain goal bound effort. Thistle began to take control of the match, and Nathan Degernier made no mistake when he headed in the opener from a free kick, after 25 minutes. Ben Starkey doubled the lead for Thistle in the 31st minute, when a long ball from Dylan Wilson was knocked into his path, and he coolly chipped the keeper from 20 yards out!
HT Kirrie Thistle 2-0 Lochee Harp
Thistle came out in the 2nd half looking to put the game beyond Harp, and after 53 minutes, it was Ben Starkey at the double, to put his team 3 up. Liam Duell took the ball from a throw in and put in a cross from the byline, which Starkey headed home! Harp were not out of it, and they continued to push forward, and in the 69th minute they pulled one back. From a free kick inside their own half, a lovely ball was slotted to the right winger who cut inside and scored with a shot that gave an unsighted Brown no chance. However, Thistle also continued to push forward, and the game was wrapped up in the 75th minute when Bryan Duell lobbed a ball over the top of the Harp defence, and Tom Banyard was there to gleefully stroke it home!
FT Kirrie Thistle 4-1 Lochee Harp
3 points in the bag, and 4 goals scored! Not everyone was happy. We caught up with Bryan Duell for his post match thoughts. "I was not overly happy with the performance yesterday. I felt we lost our shape at times in the game. We scored goals at good times, which gave us a chance to relax, but I felt we did not move the ball well enough. If we had shown a bit more quality and composure at times, we could have and should have scored more. Have to give credit to Harp, who dug in right to the end. Three points is what was required and that is what we got. Lots to work on in training this week, as we prepare for a tricky away game at Arbroath Vics next Saturday."
That victory leaves us 5th in the table on 65 points from 35 games, and only 3 fixtures left. Our midweek fixtures are finished, and next up are Arbroath Vics at Ogilvy Park, Saturday 4th May, 2.30pm KO

Thistle battle back to rescue point...

Kirrie came back from 0-2 down to rescue a point at home to Dundee St James. Great work by Starkey to bring it back to 1-2 with his shot coming off the post but Bryan Duell poked the ball into the net. With 10 minutes to go Kirrie were level. A great flick on by Dueller for Starkey to run on to, and he cooley curled home past the keeper! It was all Thistle thereafter to try and push for the winner but we had to settle for a draw.

FT Kirrie 2-2 Dundee St James

narrow defeat against the dokens...

Kirrie came up against a strong North End side who were on a long winning run. Thistle had their chances throughout the match but North End were more clinical on the day. A goal in each half was enough for the away side.

FT Kirrie 0-2 Dundee North End

spoils shared against the berrypickers...

Kirrie and Blairgowrie shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Westview Park. Thistle were leading 3-2 with roughly 15 minutes to go but Blair equalised a few minutes later. Gordon Norrie, Gary Archibald & Liam Duell were the scorers for Kirrie.

FT Kirrie 3-3 Blairgowrie

hard fought win in perthshire...

Another weekend, another Kirrie Thistle win! Yesterday saw Thistle head to Perthshire to take on Scone Thistle at Farquharson Park, in McBookie.com Midlands League action. The conditions were far from ideal for either team, blustery and heavy showers, which meant it was not the easiest game on the eye for the footballing purists. However, nobody could fault the teams for giving their all in a closely contested match. Kirrie had plenty possession and territory in the opening half, but chances were far a few between, with both teams going in all square at the break.
HT Scone Thistle 0-0 Kirrie Thistle
Kirrie came out of the blocks in the 2nd half, and within 2 minutes of the restart, Captain Stewart Russell had us in front! Callum Kinnear swung in a corner which resulted in a stramash in the box, and Stew was there to bundle the ball home! That sparked the home side into life, and 6 minutes later, they were level. A throw in from the right was taken down, and chipped in towards the back post, where it was headed past Josh Gorton. All square. Kirrie Thistle wrapped up all 3 points in the 80th minute, when Ben Starkey scored, the ball falling to him after a Bryan Duell through ball was knocked away by the Scone keeper, before landing at the feet of Ben to stroke the ball home!
The drama was not over, with a last minute melee near the halfway line, ending with Kirrie's Adam Fraser being given a red card.
FT Scone Thistle 1-2 Kirrie Thistle
Not a classic, but 3 precious points in the bag! We caught up with Gaffer Stephen McNally for his post match thoughts.
"Both teams worked hard, but the conditions did not make it easy. In the end, I believe that we won by taking the chances we created. It wasn't pretty, but the team worked hard, and got what they deserved."
Blairgowrie are up next, as they visit Westview Park this coming Wednesday evening! 6.45pm KO! Hope to see you there!

bragging rights belong to thistle...

Saturday was Derby Day at Westview Park, as Kirrie Thistle hosted Forfar West End in McBookie.com Midlands League action!
A bumper crowd swelled by over 70 hospitality guests, were treated to a hard fought game with plenty of action! Thistle were looking to carry on their good run of form in 2024, while the visitors had enjoyed their best period of the season that had seen an upturn in their recent results.
West End started brightly, but failed to test Josh Gorton in the Thistle goals. Callum Kinnear had a good free kick saved by the visiting keeper in the 29th minute. However, Thistle would open the scoring in the 37th minute, when a clearance from a West End attack, would see Ben Starkey spring the offside trap, jink past the on rushing keeper, and cut back before coolly slotting past the despairing lunge of the West End defender to put Thistle 1-0 up!
The crowd would not have to wait long for Thistle's 2nd goal of the afternoon. In the 42nd minute, Thistle took a long freekick from just inside the visitors half, into the box which was headed out into the path of Callum Rennie, who from 25 yards out, blasted an unstoppable shot into the top right corner, and put Thistle in full control of the game!
HT Kirrie Thistle 2-0 Forfar West End
The 2nd half saw the visitors try to haul themselves back into the game, but Thistle were resolute in defence. Despite creating more chances, it would not be until the 88th minute, that Thistle would wrap the game up, with the returning Cammy Henderson racing up the right before cutting the ball back for Liam Duell to side foot home the 3rd, and seal the victory!
FT Kirrie Thistle 3-0 Forfar West End
We caught up with Bryan Duell after, for his post match thoughts.
"The pitch being so heavy, made it difficult to get any momentum in the first half, but the two quick fire goals before half time made life a little easier for the second half. I thought we controlled a lot of the game, and we eventually got the third goal to finish off a hard working West End team. 3 points, a clean sheet, and now we turn our attention to Wednesday night's game against Downfield."
Wednesday night against Downfield it is, and although it is a "home game", this fixture will be played at Lochee United's Thomson Park! 7pm KO! Thistle are now clear in 4th on 54 points from 30 games played, however, the Spiders have a raft of rearranged games to play, and could overtake us. A big game!
Can Thistle keep the good form going? Hope to see you there!

stu's the hero in fife...

Kirrie Thistle came back from the Canniepart yesterday, with 3 points in the hipper, after defeating hosts Tayport 1-0!
Thistle were looking to keep the fine form of 2024 going, with only one defeat in the last seven games since the turn of the year. Port were beginning a new era, after the departure of manager Daryl McKenzie during the week, and were looking for a win that would have taken them to with 6 points of Thistle, with 2 games in hand. Thistle started the game brightly, and it would not be long before they opened the scoring. Captain Stewart Russell ghosted into the box and leapt like a salmon out of the Tay to header in Callum Kinnear's inch perfect corner in the 20th minute to put Thistle into the lead!
HT Tayport 0-1 Kirrie Thistle
Thistle again came out looking to stretch their advantage, and in the 51st minute, Liam Duell stung the palms of Daryl Burns in the Tayport goal with a shot from 25 yards out, before managing to gather it with Adam Fraser waiting to finish. In the 76th minute, Thistle had the opportunity to tie the game up, when a penalty was given for a foul on Liam Duell in the box. Gary Archibald stepped up to take it, but Daryl Burns produced an excellent save to keep it out. Despite Tayport stepping up the pressure in the closing stages of the game, Thistle saw the game out, to take the win!
FT Tayport 0-1 Kirrie Thistle
That victory, coupled with other results, sees Thistle climb to 4th place in the McBookie.com Midlands League!
Manager Stephen McNally was satisfied with the performance from the team."We expected Tayport to come out with a point to prove, after losing their manager, but from the word go, I felt we took the game to them. The guys worked hard all over the pitch, keeping their shape and creating numerous chances in the first half. We asked for the same again in the second half, and we started well again creating more chances. If it was not for Daryl Burns' in their goal, the game might have been out of sight. When Burns saved the penalty, it gave Tayport a lift, and we lost our way, letting them back into the game. Overall, credit to the players, as they deserved the victory, and hopefully we will start to convert more of the chances we are creating."
The battle to secure 4th place in the league continues next Saturday, when Thistle head back to Westview, and welcome Forfar West End in local derby action! 2.30pm KO! Hope to see you there!

kegsy nets last minute winner...

First of all, we would like to thank everyone that turned out yesterday on a bitterly cold day to cheer Thistle on to a massive win! The Management, Committee and the Players greatly appreciate the support you give the team!
Thistle were looking to get back to winning ways after the heavy defeat the weekend before, but were well aware that it would not be easy against Violet. Thistle were missing Gary Archibald, with Stephen McNally and Bryan Duell on the bench, with Robbie Gallacher and Adam Fraser stepping into the team. The first 45 minutes had plenty of action with Thistle dominating possession, but it was Violet who took the lead, on the stroke of half time, with a well struck free kick from the edge of the penalty box. Josh Gorton in the goal, managed to get a hand to it, but could not keep it out.
HT Thistle 0-1 Violet
Thistle came out with the bit between their teeth, looking to get back onto level terms, and continuing to have the majority of the ball, and chances. It would be the late show though, and on 80 minutes, Liam Duell put a cross field ball through, that evaded the defender and Tom Banyard ran through to coolly slot past the keeper and square up the game! The last 10 minutes saw both sides go searching for the winning goal, but it was Kirrie Thistle who took all 3 points, when Liam Duell's scuffed shot would squeeze through the Violet defence, and Ryan Kerrigan raced through to slot past the keeper in the 3rd minute of time added on! Scenes!
Bryan Duell was a much happier man this weekend. "We asked for a reaction from the lads after last weeks disappointment. I thought the boys started really well and controlled the first half, only to lose a sucker punch right on half time. We asked them to continue what they were doing, and they would get what they deserved out of the game. Great character shown again, to keep going right to the last minute, and keep working really hard. All their endeavour and hard work paid off, with the winning goal right at the death to take all 3 points."
Very entertaining game, despite the conditions! The victory, coupled with other results going our way, sees Thistle climb up to 5th in the table, with 51 points, and just below 4th on goal difference! Next Saturday, it is another home game at Westview, with Dundee St James the visitors! 2.30pm KO! Hope to see you there!

bad day at the office...

It was a bad day at the office last Saturday, as Kirrie Thistle were on the wrong end of a 7-0 scoreline, when they took on Lochee United at Thomson Park. Thistle made the worst possible start when a first time volley flew past Andy Smith in the Thistle goal. Lochee United extended their lead in 38th minute with a cutback and finish from the edge of the area. Thistle had been in the game and created some chances of their own. Something to build on...
HT Lochee United 2-0 Kirrie Thistle.
Thistle came out with real purpose in the 2nd half and in the first 5 minutes spurned 3 good chances. This was duly punished by the hosts, who broke away a scored a third in the 51st minute. The next 30 minutes saw the hosts score 4 more times to leave Thistle despondent. A game to forget.
FT Lochee United 7-0 Kirrie Thistle
The view from the dugout came from Bryan Duell. "We lost the early goal, which didn't help matters and gave them a chance to settle into the game earlier than we wanted. We were not good in possession, so we were facing wave after wave of attack. To concede just before halftime made the task even harder. We started the second half much better, then lost a goal on the breakaway. All in all, we were far too easy to play against. We have picked ourselves up at training this week, and we go again on Saturday, hoping for a vastly improved performance." It is back to home comforts this Saturday, when we host Violet at Westview. 2.30PM KO. Hope to see you there.

thistle come from behind to beat roselea...

Have we recovered from that breathless 90 minutes of action yesterday Thistle fans?! Wow!
Kirrie Thistle welcomed Montrose Roselea to Westview, with the teams separated by only 3 points in the table. Victory for Thistle would move them level on points in 4th place, but with 3 games in hand. No sooner had we kicked off, when the visitors took the lead in the 4th minute following a corner, which was poked past the keeper in the stramash that followed. Within 10 minutes, the visitors doubled their lead, when a slack pass back to the keeper by Stephen McNally was intercepted by the visiting forward who rounded Andy Smith in the goals and rolled it into the net. Despite these setbacks, Thistle were creating chances and well in the game. Ben Starkey continued his hot streak in front of goal, with the easiest of tap ins from a Ryan Kerrigan cutback to drag Thistle back into the game in the 24th minute. Only 3 minutes later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men, when one of their defenders was given a 2nd yellow for a heavy challenge on Callum Rennie. Thistle began to turn the screw, and despite numerous chances before the break, they found the Roselea keeper in top form.
HT Kirrie Thistle 1-2 Montrose Roselea
Thistle started off the 2nd half the way they had finished the 1st, putting relentless pressure on 10 man Roselea. The equaliser came in the 52 minute, when Liam Duell burst into the box and cut back for Ben Starkey to chip in his 2nd goal of the game, and 4th in the last 2 weeks! In the 76th minute, Thistle took all 3 points when Captain Stewart Russell chested a ball into the path of Liam Duell, who burst away from his marker before checking past the on rushing keeper and a defender and rolling the ball home for the winning goal!
Roselea did not give up and continued to cause problems right to the end, but Thistle saw the game out to take the win! A great game of football played by two well matched teams! A great game for the neutral, and a great advert for Junior Football! Stephen McNally was pleased with Thistle's resiliency. "Before the game, I said that the team that plays with the most togetherness will win, and I believe that's what we showed today. Having gone 2 nil down early in the game, it was a testament to the character of the team to pull together and earn the result against a tough Montrose Roselea team, and in the end, it could have been a wider margin if we had taken more of our chances."
Next up, we head down the A90 next Saturday, to take on title chasing Lochee United at Thomson Park. Hope to see you there!

3 goals, 3 points and a clean sheet...

Kirrie Thistle got back to winning ways yesterday, when they defeated St James 3-0 at Fairfield Park.
Ben Starkey was restored to the starting lineup, and he took his chance in the 22nd minute, when he turned and scored from 14 yards out to give Thistle the lead! There is some contention over Thistle's second goal in the 32nd minute! The referee gave it to Ben Starkey, for his double, but Manager Stephen McNally might have something to say about that! Regardless, Thistle went 2 ahead to strengthen their grip on the game. Despite dominating proceedings in the 2nd half, it took until the 81st Minute for Thistle to round off the scoring, with Gary Archibald scoring a deft chip to put the game out sight, and seal the 3 points!
Macca gave his post match thoughts. "We knew this would be a difficult game in challenging conditions. I felt we won the main battles all over the park, and deserved the win against a tough St James team."
The victory moves Thistle up to 5th place in the McBookie.com Midlands League, with 45 points from 25 games played. Next up, back to Westview this coming Saturday, when we welcome Montrose Roselea! 2.30pm KO! Come up and cheer on Thistle to victory!

thistle snatch a point at the death...

It was the late, late, late show at Seven Acres on Saturday, as Letham and Thistle shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Despite having plenty of chances, Thistle were wasteful in front of goal, against a determined Letham side.
With a 0-0 draw looking likely, Letham grabbed the lead in the 89th minute of the game, and with it all 3 points. to make matters worse for Thistle, they were reduced to 10 men, when Liam Duell was sent off for a second yellow card. However, Thistle were given the chance to snatch a point, when Bryan Duell was fouled in the box, and from the resultant penalty, he squared the game, with the referee blowing the full time whistle right after. When asked about the game, Bryan Duell had this to say: "I felt we had more than enough chances to win the game. To lose such a late goal, and then go down to 10 men, I thought we showed good character to get the late goal and leave with a point. I did not feel Letham troubled us too much throughout the game, but I don't feel we did enough in the final third to win the game." Despite only picking up a point, Thistle are now undefeated in their opening three games of 2024, and next up it is another tricky away game, as Thistle head to Dundee to take on St James at Fairfield Park, this coming Saturday, 2.30pm KO.
Hope to see you there!

hospitality versus forfar west end

We are pleased to announce a Hospitality Day against our local rivals, Forfar West End on 30th March. Putting this out now to give you plenty of time to pencil the date in the diary! A fantastic day out as many of you are aware, which includes for just £45pp:
 
3 course meal
5 drink tokens
wine on the table

Speak to any committee member now to book your place

cheese & wine fundraiser 2024

Yes that’s right!! After last year’s highly successful Cheese & Wine Night, the club are delighted to host the fundraiser once again, in what is sure to be a fantastic night of entertainment!

 
Saturday 2nd March
7-10pm
Northmuir Hall
tickets £12
contact wilson coupar 07871 542738 to purchase your ticket

forfar utd goalfest...

Whew! Blink and you would have missed it! Saturday's local derby away to Forfar United was a fantastic game for the neutral! The first half in particular was a goalfest, with no fewer than 6 goals shared between the teams before half time! Callum Rennie scored the first for Thistle, inside the first minute, with a superb volley from 25 yards out that sailed over the keeper into the net. Celebrations had barely finished before Forfar United equalised with a wicked deflection off of Nathan Degernier and beyond Darren Brown in the goal. Captain Stewart Russell restored Thistle's lead in the 7th minute when he turned and shot from inside the box and it ended up in the net thanks to a deflection off of a home defender. The hosts equalised in the 14th minute, before Nathan Degernier put Thistle 3-2 up with a header from a corner only a minute later! Forfar United fought back again in the 38th minute to square the game once again at 3-3. Into the 2nd half, and Thistle again took the lead, and it was Stewart Russell with his 2nd of the game, when he headed in from a corner. The scoring was complete in the 74th minute when Bryan Duell popped up to steer the ball home from a perfect Gary Archibald cross! Non stop action, and despite being pegged back three times, the lads dug in and finished the game off, to take 3 points back up the road to Kirrie!
Bryan Duell gave us his reaction to the game. "We felt like we started the game really well, getting the early goal, then we lost our shape for the next 35 to 40 minutes, which made the game very entertaining for the spectators. For us, being able to address situation at half time, was something we really needed to do. The second half was slightly better in terms of not conceding and also getting another couple of goals, to see off a hard working, and youthful Forfar United team. Three points in the bag, and we move on to a hard week of training, before we head through to Perth next weekend to take on Letham."
Indeed, next game is away to Letham in league action next Saturday!
Have a great week folks!

liam duell resigns...

Today we welcome back a familiar face to Westview. Liam Duell has taken the step back in to the Juniors and we are delighted that he has chosen to come back to Kirrie. I am sure everybody remembers Liam and the quality and enthusiasm he brought to the club. We look forward to seeing him back on the pitch for KTJFC.
We would also like to thank Brechin City FC for honouring the initial agreement between the clubs and fulfilling Liam’s wishes to return to Kirrie. We would also like to thank Brechin for the professionalism and integrity in dealing with this transaction swiftly and smoothly.

duo sign on loan...

Kirrie Thistle JFC are delighted to announce the loan signings of Reece Ritchie and Dylan Wilson from Dundee North End and Broughty Athletic respectively until the end of the season. Reece is no stranger to the Junior game having played for Lochee Utd and latterly Dundee North End. The midfielder brings with him a wealth of experience which will be fantastic for the squad.
Dylan joins from Broughty Athletic having previously played for Broughty Utd, Monifieth Athletic, Forfar Boys club and Dundee United Youth Academy. The young defender had a very good performance against Brechin Vics on Saturday and I’m sure all our supporters join us in welcoming both Dylan and Reece to the club.

back with a bang...

Saturday saw the return of football to Westview Park, as Kirrie Thistle took on Brechin Vics in McBookie.com Midlands League action! Both teams had endured an extended break due to the weather, but Thistle kicked off with real intent, and went close a couple of times, before taking the lead in just the 4th minute, when Cameron Henderson cut in from the right, firing a shot across the goalkeeper, that smashed off the post, and straight out to the onrushing Stewart Russell, who fired home the rebound to put Thistle in front! Thistle kept up the pressure, not giving their visitors much of a chance to get out of their own half, and in the 28th minute Kirrie were 2 up. The ball was played up from the back towards the evergreen Bryan Duell, who hit a sweet first time volley from 25 yards out, that caught out the Vics keeper, and nestled in the back of the net.
HT Thistle 2-0 Vics
Thistle started the 2nd half in the same fashion, and the lead was further extended in the 52nd minute, when Bryan Duell would produce another wonder strike, this time from 35 yards out! 3-0 Thistle and the game starting to look beyond Vics. 9 minutes later, the game would be put beyond doubt, with a beautiful move, starting with a great through ball from Gary Archibald, setting Cameron Henderson away into the box, before squaring it for Ryan Kerrigan to make it 4! Despite the Vics grabbing a consolation in the 85th minute, it was an excellent team performance, and a good result after a frustrating few weeks. Gaffer Stephen McNally was delighted with the result and performance. "With this being our first competitive game since the middle of December, I felt that it was important to start the game positively, getting the first goal after only a few minutes, set the tone and the players maintained that throughout the game. The 4 goals we scored were all taken very well, and I feel our shape and togetherness as a team was there in abundance. The whole squad played their part, and I was happy with the outcome and will be expecting the guys to keep that standard going forward."
Next up for Thistle, local derby at Guthrie Park, as we take on Forfar United! 2pm KO Saturday 3rd February.

kirrie 1-3 broughty athletic...

After last weeks heavy defeat to East Craigie, Kirrie were looking to get back on track against top of the table Broughty Athletic. Thistle welcomed back Stephen McNally, Bryan Duell and Gary Archibald back into the starting lineup. Always a physical encounter between the two sides and this game proved no different. Both teams had one or two chances in the first half but it was goalless at the break. Hopes of a good start to the second 45 were dashed barely a minute in as Broughty opened the scoring. Kirrie battled away in search for an equaliser but Broughty doubled their lead midway through the second half. A blow for Kirrie as this took the wind out their sails, but with 10 minutes to go Bryan Duell got a brilliant goal back. A cross in from the right was met on the volley by Dueller which found the top corner. A glimmer of hope for Kirrie, but almost immediately after the restart, Broughty scored a third which killed off any hope for Kirrie. Last game of the year and the lads will get a well earned break over the festive period and come back in the New Year to kick on for the rest of the season.

bad day at the office...

On a miserable day in the City of Discovery, Craigie Park was one of the few games that passed a 9.00am pitch inspection. Kirrie were down to the bare bones once again and were missing a number of key players so there was a few players playing out of position. Thistle did have a few chances during the first half but they found themselves 2-0 down at the break. Unfortunately the next 45 minutes didn't get any better as a combination of good, slick football from Craigie and not getting the rub of the green on some refereeing decisions resulted in additional 3 goals to the hosts. The lads just need to dust themselves and prepare for another tough game at home to high flying Broughty Athletic.  

deflected and deflated...

It was a sore one for Thistle to take on Saturday, as Carnoustie Panmure left Westview with all 3 points, thanks to 2 deflected goals. Thistle made a roaring start to the game, when Ben Starkey was hauled down by the visiting goalkeeper, and the ref pointed to the spot. Bryan Duell stepped up, and dispatched the resulting penalty home to give Thistle an early lead. Sadly, it was not to last, and on 10 minutes, the Gowfers equalised, when their winger cut in from the left and struck a shot goalwards, that deflected off the Thistle defender, and wrong footed Josh Gorton in the home net. Thistle had the better of the first half, and struck the bar twice. After the break, it was the visitors who had the better of the play. With only 12 minutes to play, Panmure would take all 3 points, when their forward was battling with Callum Kinnear, took a shot, which deflected off of Budgie's foot and looped over the head of the keeper and into the net. Sore one for sure. Stephen McNally was philosophical about the result and how the game panned out. "Despite a depleted squad again, we did not let that affect us, and we had a great start to the game, going a goal up in the first minute. We were unfortunate to concede the equaliser, which was deflected in. Both teams had chances to score in the first half, but we went in level at half time. Again, both teams created chances in the second half, but we were done by another deflected effort, that looped over the keeper for their winning goal. All in all, I can't fault the effort of the players, as they put everything into the game, and were just unlucky on the day."

thistle pounce on the spiders...

Kirrie were looking to make it two wins on the bounce after last weeks last minute winner against Letham JFC. In their way was an in form Downfield side who were sitting one place above Thistle. After Downfield Park was deemed unplayable during the week, the game was switched to Station Park, Forfar. The first half was a tight affair with both teams having good chances but the scoreline remained goalless at the break. You got the feeling that the second half was going to be a similar affair, it was a case of who would take their chances. And thankfully they went the way of Kirrie. Thistle broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, when Stephen McNally played a great ball up the pitch, which Bryan Duell nodded on and Cameron Henderson deftly chipped over the onrushing keeper, into the net. Only 5 minutes later, Thistle went 2 ahead, when a long ball was chipped up and Bryan Duell nodded over the keeper, bounced off the crossbar, and in courtesy of the keeper who was rushing back. 0-2 full time and a fantastic 3 points! Bryan Duell was delighted with the performance. "I thought the boys were excellent from start to finish today, and we limited Downfield to very few chances. This is a great start to a very tough run of fixtures we have coming up over the festive period."

jags come from behind to sting letham...

Kirrie came from 1-2 down to beat a tough as nails Letham JFC 3-2 at Westview Park. The away side opened the scoring after 19 minutes through Dale Smart, however, in first half stoppage time the ever reliable Bryan Duell equalised from the penalty spot. Letham then regained the lead on 51 minutes through Paul McConnachie but this never fazed Kirrie and they got the equaliser on 65 minutes courtesy of Robbie Gallacher. Just as the game looked like heading for a draw, up popped Bryan Duell with the winner on 87 minutes to send the Kirrie supporters in to wild celebrations.

lochee harp 2-2 kirrie...

Thistle had to settle for a point in Dundee against a stubborn Lochee Harp side. Kirrie took the lead around 15 minutes after a fantastic goal from Liam Healy. A long cross-field ball by Calum Kinnear was met at the back post by Liam Healy, who's brilliantly side footed volley found the far corner. Kirrie were to have a few more good chances but couldn't capitalise on their advantage at the break. They were made to rue the missed opportunities as mid-way through the second half, Harp equalised. Not long after, Harp controversially went ahead as a ball over the top of the Kirrie defence allowed Shaka Roy to run through on goal and score however it was a clear offside that everyone seen except the referee. Not allowing this to hamper the boys, Thistle went in search of an equaliser, and with 15-20 minutes left on the clock, they got it, courtesy of a Dueller penalty. Both teams had chances to win, but it in the end Kirrie had to settle for a point.

blairgowrie 4-3 kirrie...

Kirrie lost out by the odd goal in seven in a disappointing result at Davie Park. Thistle got off to the worst possible start when they found themselves 3-0 down inside half an hour which stunned Kirrie. But with 5 minutes of the first half remaining Ben Starkey pulled one back from a tight angle. 3-1 at the break and a big team talk was needed with the next goal crucial. Kirrie came flying out the traps and barely a minute in to the restart, Stewart Russell reduced the deficit to one goal with a powerful header. Thistle firmly in the ascendancy and with 15-20 minutes left, Kirrie got the equaliser they wanted through a wonder 25 yard free kick from Gordon Norrie. It looked like at this point that there would only be one winner. However with 5 minutes left on the clock a poor tackle in the box and Blair were awarded a penalty which they dispatched. 4-3 it finished and overall disappointing not to take anything from the game having got it back to 3-3. 

game OFF

It will come as no surprise that due to the horrendous amount of rain that has fallen in the last 48 hours, today's match against Brechin Vics is postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match will be rescheduled at a later date.

back to winning ways after hard fought victory...

After the disappointing defeat to Dundee North End in the Quest Cup, Kirrie got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory at home to a much improved Coupar Angus side. However, the winless visitors did not make it easy for their hosts, and after a tepid first half, the game appeared to be in the balance. Some half time "words of encouragement" seemed to fire the lads up, and within 7 minutes of the restart, Thistle found themselves 2 goals to the good, headers from Ryan Beedie, and the evergreen Stewart Russell! The visitors were also reduced to 10 men, making their task even more difficult. Adam Fraser killed the game off, with a delightful chip over the on rushing keeper in the 71st minute. The only blot on the copy book, was a consolation goal for the visitors in the 82nd minute. 3 points in the bag, and Thistle are 5th in the table with 28 points from our 14 games so far.
We caught up with Bryan Duell for his thoughts on the game: "It was pretty lacklustre performance in the first half. We didn't move the ball well enough, although fair play to Coupar Angus, who made it very difficult for us. A slight change of shape and personnel at half time and we came flying out of the traps, scoring two goals in quick succession. We then started to make better decisions on the ball, eventually running out 3-1 winners. Happy with the three points but we need to be starting games better."

kirrie exit the quest cup...

It was a day to forget at Westview as Kirrie were convincingly beaten 0-5 at home to Dundee North End in the 1st round of the Quest Precision Engineering Cup. The boys went in to the game full of confidence after two wins on the bounce but the tie was all but over in the first half after finding themselves 0-4 and a man down after Bryan Duell was sent off for a second yellow. Barely a minute in to the half and the away side added a fifth and that was how the game finished. A bad day at the office as we look to brush ourselves down and get back to winning ways at home to Coupar Angus in the league.

THISTLE EASE TO VICTORY IN the DERBY...

Kirrie took the bragging rights in the Angus derby as they comfortably beat Forfar West End 0-2 at Strathmore Park. Two goals in 10 minutes from Gordon Norrie had Kirrie in cruise control in the first half. However, Thistle couldn't add to the scoreline in the second and probably should have added to the scoreline had if we took our chances. As always the most important thing was 3 points and a clean sheet for Darren Brown. The only downside of the afternoon was the sending off of Callum Rennie which in all honesty looked harsh. 

KIRRIE BEAT 9 MAN PORT...

Thistle got back to winning ways with a deserved 1-0 over Tayport at Westview Park. Ben Starkey was the only goal scorer, launching a cracker of a shot from just outside the box, and beyond ex-Thistle keeper, Darryl Burns. Despite plenty of the ball, and the visitors being reduced to 9 men, Thistle were unable to add to their goal tally, but the management team were happy with the team's efforts. Bryan Duell gave us his thoughts. "We started the game well, and we scored at a good time in the first half. We limited Tayport to very few opportunities, and I always felt we were in control of the game. We probably should have done better when they got two men sent off, but overall very happy with the 3 points and a clean sheet"

hospitality 23/09/23 v dundee north end

We are once again delighted to offer our ever popular hospitality on Saturday 23rd September against Dundee North End in the Quest Engineering Cup. For just £45pp, our hospitality package includes:
  • 3 course meal
  • 5 drinks tokens
  • Wine on the table
To register your interest, please contact Wilson Coupar 07871 542738 or speak to any committee member 

Kirriemuir Thistle J.F.C.

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