ROSS COUNTY v PARTICK THISTLE CHALLENGE CUP SEMI – FINAL LIVE ON TV
The SFL’s ALBA Challenge Cup semi final fixture between Ross County and Partick Thistle will be shown exclusively live on BBC ALBA this Sunday, October 9.
Programme coverage will commence at 2.50pm with a kick-off time of 3pm. MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service is again this year’s title sponsor of the ALBA Challenge Cup.
The match from Victoria Park is likely to be an evenly-matched encounter, with both sides sitting close to each other in the league after eight matches of the campaign so far.
Ross County manager Derek Adams (left), Murdo Morrison of MG ALBA (centre) and County captain Richard Brittain look forward to the ALBA Challenge Cup semi-final
In reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final, 2006-07 winners Ross County have overcome Elgin City, Greenock Morton and Forfar Athletic. Their quarter-final meeting with Forfar was a lively encounter, with both sides reduced to ten men after red cards for County midfielder Martin Scott and Forfar's Michael Bolochoweckyj. However, a double from Staggies midfielder Paul Lawson was enough to seal a 2-0 victory and progression through to the semi-final stage.
Partick Thistle pair Liam Buchanan (left) and Paddy Boyle look ahead to their side's ALBA Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Ross County
For 2008-09 semi-finalists Partick Thistle, wins over Clyde, Berwick Rangers and Ayr United have been secured so far in the competition. Their meeting with Ayr in the quarter-final stage saw Thistle run out 2-1 winners, with two goals from Kris Doolan enough to put the Jags through despite a consolation strike from Andy Rodgers for Ayr United.
The match will be the second game between Ross County and Partick Thistle this season, with the Jags taking three points from their league clash in Dingwall last weekend. Goals from defender Paddy Boyle and midfielder Chris Erskine secured a 2-0 win, helping Partick climb off the foot of Division One and go into Sunday’s semi-final with renewed confidence.
Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “The ALBA Challenge Cup is an important competition in the Scottish football calendar, and we are delighted to be once again providing live coverage of Sunday’s semi-final match.
“Both Ross County and Partick Thistle will be desperate to secure a positive result and make it to the final in November. The Challenge Cup is an excellent way for SFL clubs to secure silverware early in the season, and the teams will be hoping success in this competition will provide a boost to their aspirations in the campaign ahead.
“We wish both clubs good luck for Sunday’s match and hope they put on an exciting match for the football fans watching the game at home on BBC ALBA.”
The live coverage will complement BBC ALBA’s premier sports package which is being provided in association with mneTV to broadcast one Clydesdale Bank Premier League match every Saturday night.