Partick Thistle 0-0 Dundee

Oct 5 2008 Brian Welsh at Firhill

FRUSTRATED Ian McCall saw his misfiring Jags strikers draw a blank again - and prayed the return of Liam Buchanan will reignite their season.

Dundee shaded the first half of a dire game but after the break Thistle blew three good chances to edge closer to the top of the table.

Steven Lennon was the biggest culprit, missing a great chance after coming on as a sub, and McCall hopes there's a chance prolific frontman Buchanan will return next week after a lay-off with a knee injury.

The Firhill gaffer said: "We were awful and all our best players were defenders.

"Marc Twaddle sent over three topquality crosses in the first half that were begging to be put away.

"You can't help think Buchanan would have scored had he been playing.

"He might have a chance of making the bench for the Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday against Airdrie."

Dundee's injury problems were well documented and dictated that they only included four of the permitted five substitutes on the bench.

Alex Rae's starting line-up was still strong though and they dominated early on.

Thistle full-back Paul Paton made a goal-line clearance after nine minutes when Craig McKeown nodded on Freddie Daquin's corner.

Next Mark Gilhaney headed wide and the Dark Blues should have taken the lead in 19 minutes when Gilhaney unselfishly squared to Daquin only for the Frenchman to fire high and wide.

Thistle were off the pace in the first half and only offered some dangerous crosses from the left boot of Twaddle who delivered a series of teasing crosses and eight minutes from the break almost helped Jags take the lead.

Rab Douglas could only touch the ball straight to Mark Roberts but his volley was bravely blocked by Eddie Malone.

McCall's patience ran out just 11 minutes into the second half and he threw on Lennon for an out-of-sorts Roberts.

However, Dundee continued to make the running. Mickael Antione-Curier cut the ball back for Bob Davidson whose drive was blocked by Jags sweeper Simon Storey.

Alovely reverse ball by Simon Donnelly in 71 minutes gave Lennon the chance to test Douglas but his shot lacked pace and was easily smothered.

A lucky break of the ball five minutes later saw Donnelly present Lennon with another clear sight of goal - but the on-loan Rangers kid fired wide.

Thistle were finally enjoying some sustained pressure and had another golden chance when a Donnelly corner fell to sub Scott Chaplain - but he fired over from the edge of the box.

The final opening fell to the Dens men - but Gilhaney blasted well wide to sum up a dismal match.

Dundee boss Alex Rae said: "I'm pleased with the point and the players can take a lot of credit given the fact we had seven or eight guys missing."

MoM: Rowson (Partick)