Kris Doolan vows free-scoring Partick will attack Premiership play-off final
Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan explained they would approach the crucial Premiership play-off final with the same mentality that saw them score 16 goals in four games.
The Jags set up a two-legged final against Kilmarnock or Ross County with a 5-0 semi-final second leg win over ten-man Ayr at Somerset Park.
Looking ahead to next Thursday’s first leg, Doolan said: “They’re Premiership sides for a reason, but we have a one-track mentality, we want to move up.”
“We didn’t hobble into the playoffs, we didn’t sit back and take pressure, we were the team in promotion. That won’t change in the final either.”
A brace from Scott Tiffoney and goals from Jack McMillan, Steven Lawless and Kevin Holt completed the 8-0 aggregate win.
Doolan said: “It’s a statement of what we’re capable of. Under the pressure to score five goals in a play-off game was brilliant to watch.
“We’ve gotten stronger over the course of those games and we’ve talked about it.
“As a Premiership side, I’ve been on the other side where you’re used to losing games and you’re up against a Championship side that’s used to winning. We have created a successful environment here.
“We will rest and be ready for the next challenge that lies ahead and face it with confidence.”
Ayr’s top scorer Dipo Akinyemi was sent off in the 25th minute after tackling Aaron Muirhead and seemingly catching the defender’s chin with his forearm.
“I didn’t see it so I’m careful not to comment on it, but I felt like he was fouled in front of it and he reacted,” said Ayr coach Lee Bullen, who lamented defensive errors in the two games.
“But you can’t react and you can’t raise your hands. According to the wording of the law, he’s probably going, but if he’s fouled at all, he might not raise his hand.”
Meanwhile, Bullen was groping in the dark over rumors that Dundee had approached Ayr for permission to speak to him about their vacant managerial position.
“I didn’t hear a Dickie bird,” he said.
“Nothing at all, absolutely nothing. I have a job to do at Ayr, we’re just starting out and building a history at Ayr United and I really haven’t heard from Dundee.”
