Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan believes the Jags’ Scottish Cup triumph over Ross County was testament to the fans and players who made the same journey at the end of last season.
The 2022/23 campaign ended in Dingwall disappointment for Partick, with County coming from three goals behind to win a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the Premiership play-off final.
However, there would be no such drama in this Scottish Cup tie, with Partick easing to a 3-0 victory to progress into the fifth round of the competition.
“It’s probably testament to the ones who are still here that they have shown no signs of a hangover,” Doolan said.
“We’re doing well in the league and playing well and there was no fear of coming back up here. We played well that day too, but we’ve learned lessons fast from that day.
“I’m a fan myself, so I felt as traumatised as anybody.
“It was great to see the backing, everywhere we go it’s incredible and it was nice to give them something back.
“It’s a long way to come up, we understand that, so we’re delighted to have given them something to cheer about and a performance to be proud of.
“We were adamant we would give them that to get into the next round.”
Ross County manager Derek Adams admitted his players made basic mistakes that cost them the contest.
The Staggies boss made a triple change at half time, which he said was indicative of how below par his side were over the opening 45 minutes.
“As a manager, I shouldn’t have to do that,” Adams said.
“The players weren’t doing the basics right and when you make basic errors at this level, it’s a huge problem.
“Partick were better than us. The way that they started the game was brighter and they got on to the ball and created some openings.
“We were just getting into the ascendancy when they went 1-0 up and over the afternoon into the second half we created a couple of good opportunities that we should have taken.
“The story of the season is that we haven’t been clinical and we haven’t defended well enough. That’s why we were defeated today.”