Partick out to cause another cup shock - Hall
Partick Thistle v Glasgow City: Jags aiming for place in Tynecastle final
Only people outside Partick Thistle are surprised at their progress this season, says Jags coach Stewart Hall.
The Firhill club were a late addition to the SWPL 1 this season but are eight points clear of the bottom spot many expected them to be in.
They have also knocked out eight-time Scottish Women’s Cup winners Hibernian on their way to setting up a semi-final tie this afternoon with champions Glasgow City.
“I think we have shocked a few people in the league and in the cup this season,” Hall told Anyone’s Game.
“I think we have shocked people but I don’t think we have shocked ourselves. We have always been confident about how well we could’ve done.
“Our ambition has always been to be in the top league and now we have got to the top league we want to prove a point of why we are there in the first place.”
Partick will be huge underdogs when they take on City at the Falkirk Stadium, with a place in the final against Celtic or Hearts up for grabs.
Hall said: “We are a very hard working team, filled with desire and filled with belief.
“The best way to describe them is just honest hard working girls. They all play for each other.
“We have had hundreds of comments from both players, coaches and even fans, that is exactly what they are.”
Semi-final ‘massive’ for City
Hayley Lauder wants to create more history by winning the Biffa Scottish Women’s Cup in front of a record crowd at Tynecastle Park.
And the experienced midfielder is relishing the thought of reaching the cup final at a venue she has fond memories of.
“I’ve got really good memories of playing at Tynecastle with the national team and Glasgow City,” Lauder said.
“Of course our goal is to get to the final but first we need to play Partick Thistle and that will be another tough game.
“I think before it was a record breaking crowd when we last played here in the Scottish Women’s Cup and hopefully whoever’s in the final can break it again.”
Lauder also admits she isn’t thinking of the prospect of Glasgow City losing one game all season and not retaining the SWPL 1 title.
She added: “I guess that’s the nature of the league. It’s a long season.
“We are still in it. There’s still some good games to go and big points to play for so that’s still our focus.”