Partick Thistle vs Falkirk preview - McNamara targets change of luck

Posted Saturday, August 11, 2012 by PA

Partick will be without Conrad Balatoni and David Rowson in their opening Irn-Bru First Division clash at home against Falkirk.

Balatoni is suspended and David Rowson is sidelined with a back injury as manager Jackie McNamara looks for a change in fortune against the Bairns.

Paul Paton returns from suspension and Christie Elliot is available again after tonsillitis.

McNamara said: "Last season we lost to Falkirk once and drew with them three times. We missed penalties in two of those games and it would be great to get a win to put that right and also get our season off to a flying start.

"This is a cracking game to start the season off with and it should be played in front of a healthy crowd between two sides that want to play the game with a bit of style."

Falkirk striker David Weatherston is his side's only absentee.

Weatherston is sidelined with a hamstring problem as Falkirk travel to Firhill to face their fellow promotion favourites.

Bairns' technical director Alex Smith said: "After two cup ties to open the season against teams from lower divisions the real ball comes out to play now. A lot of work goes into your preparation for the league season and this game will tell us how prepared we are.

"Thistle will be a good side this season under Jackie McNamara, but we have to ensure that they do not get off to the best of starts.

"Both sides have been talked about as being in the hunt for promotion so that makes this meeting all the more intriguing."