Pat Fenlon: Hibs stole points at Partick

Hibs took on Partick at Firhill. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Liam Craig struck the only goal of the game in the 69th minute at Firhill for Fenlon’s side, who spent much of the evening on the back foot against Partick Thistle.

“It was a bit of a smash and grab from us, if I’m being totally honest,” said Fenlon. “I thought Thistle were excellent in the first half, they played really well. But they probably had more chances in the second half.”

Fenlon hailed the impact of substitutes Owain Tudur-Jones and Abdellah Zoubir, who were introduced shortly before Craig’s match-winning strike. “We were a little bit better in the second half, especially after we scored,” added Fenlon.

“The two substitutes made a good change to our play. We were a bit more composed on the ball when Tudur-Jones got on and Zouby gave us a little bit more.

“I’m delighted with the three points because it is a difficult place to come.

“Thistle are a really good side, I’ve watched them a fair bit. They’ve got a good system and they pass the ball really well.

“In the second half, they created some good chances and Ben Williams made some terrific saves.”

Williams, again captaining the side in the absence of James McPake, produced a stunning double save late in the game to preserve all three points.

It was a perfect response to the criticism he received for a blunder in Hibs’ 3-0 defeat in Inverness the previous week. “That’s the way Ben is,” said Fenlon. “Since he’s been here, he’s been a fabulous goalkeeper for us. His game temperament is fantastic and I knew what happened at Inverness wouldn’t bother him. He’s that type of character that he just gets on with it.”

Fenlon also expressed his satisfaction at the form of summer signing Craig. The midfielder has now scored six goals this season following his move from St Johnstone.

“Liam Craig is a good player,” said Fenlon. “We keep being told he can’t play on the left side but he still chips in with goals. It was a great goal with his right foot tonight. It was a difficult finish, because the ball was bouncing. He controlled it

and put it away in the top corner.”

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald was left to reflect on another frustrating 90 minutes at Firhill where his team have yet to record a league victory this season.

“It was a sore one to take,” said Archibald. “I thought we played a lot of good stuff and created a number of chances. What was missing was a clean sheet, at least you take a point from that, that was the disappointing thing.

“It is frustrating obviously but it would be more frustrating if we weren’t creating any chances and we were playing really poor football. But we are playing good football and we are knocking it about well.

“I said that to the players it would be easier if we had been terrible tonight.

“I could have come in and had a go at them, and read the riot act but it wasn’t the case. We are just not scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.

“We haven’t kept a clean sheet since the first game of the season and if you don’t keep clean sheets you don’t

win games, it’s a simple as that.”