Brian Graham will beg for common sense to prevail as he appeals for a change of date to the Sky Sports Cup final.
The 36-year-old has a duel role at the club as he leads the line for Kris Doolan’s side while also managing the women’s team.
He oversaw over their 2-0 win over Hibs this afternoon that sets up a final date against holders Rangers on March 23rd – the same day that Kris Doolan’s side are due to face Arbroath in a Championship fixture.
It is the first time that a Thistle team, male or female, has made it to the final of a major cup competition for 53 years and the very first time that their women’s side have made it to a major final, Graham has insisted that he cannot miss leading out his team.
“They have got to change it,” he said.
“We play on a Sunday all the time. It is just not possible for us to play on Saturday at 3pm. There is no way I am missing the chance to get to lead my girls out at a cup final.”
His side prevailed against Hibs yesterday after goals from Linzi Taylor and Rosie Slater. The dismissal of Leah Eddie meant Hibs were reduced to ten players for more than half of the game. Jorian Baucom hit the crossbar late on but Thistle were fairly comfortable against the Leith side.
Rangers beat Celtic 3-2 on Friday night to book their place in the final with Rio Hardy netting a 95th minute penalty to send them through.
The Ibrox side – unbeaten so far this season- are keen to retain the trophy but Graham has insisted that Thistle are capable of causing an upset.
“Every year since I have been involved with them they have made history,” he said. “I knew we were going to win today, I had that feeling.
“We saw the Partick Thistle fight in them today. The crowd were excellent and I think the girls really enjoyed it.
On a day like this it is about rolling up your sleeves and digging in for your teammates. We have got talent in the dressing room but we knew given the weather it was not going to be a football match.
“I do not think my girls get the plaudits they deserve, people are talking about the top six but we are closing to fourth position than we are to seventh.
“We believe we can win any game no matter who it is against. That is credit to my group of players.”
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