It was Colina who nabbed the win today in Anderson’s Park, beating Thistle by 1 goal to 0 in the sunshine.
Thistle’s Renfrew and McDonald started off well to threaten early on, but a defensively strong Brito was there to intercept any early challenges.Kemoe and Fitzpatrick were there to construct one of the first major chances of the first half for the Jags, but the keeper was there to receive the bullet sent in by number 4.
A persistent Nolan also gave it a go, but was unlucky to find himself wide. A speedy Vargas made himself present for Colina as he broke down the wing and Brito did well to shake up his usual defensive focal point and threaten around the box. Another chance emanated for Calderon and Alvarado who was unfortunate to find himself offside.
Partick Thistle’s Haldane was crucial in defense to prevent Colina’s talented Zencovich and Calderon from advancing towards their opposition and Renfrew’s pacy break and link-up with McKenzie appeared threatening- until being ruled offside. Aravena subbed on for Colina immediately made his mark on the pace of the game for the Chileans, and Kempiau was last to take a shot before half time, sending the ball spiralling over the bar.
The second half witnessed exquisite passing from Fitzpatrick to Nolan which culminated in an attempt at close range, but the keeper done well and Griffiths and Duffy worked hard to clear following pressure from Colina.
The end to end football was also displayed in a combined effort from Espina and Zencovich for Colina, but the keeper read the incoming threat. Despite valiant attempts by Last and Galasso to retain Thistle’s possession, Colina were to go in front when Barros fired the ball into the back of the net to reward the efforts of his team.
However, despite Orr’s defiance in retaining possession and preventing Thistle from conceding another, the fixture ended 1-0, and the young Chileans were ecstatic to have achieved their first victory of this year’s tournament.
Report by Nicole McNicholl