Partick boss Alan Archibald salutes keeper Crawford

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald hailed emergency signing David Crawford after the goalkeeper helped the Jags to a 1-0 Betfred Cup win at Airdrie.

The 31-year-old former Montrose and Stirling player produced an excellent stop from Andy Ryan and Thistle went on to take all three points after Kris Doolan struck in the 55th minute.

Crawford was signed earlier in the day after Tomas Cerny (foot) and Ryan Scully (thigh) failed to brush off injuries.

Archibald said: "He made a very good save. David had only trained with us a handful of times and played last week against Morton. He brings experience and he talks all the time, and that's vital. "We're delighted, especially with the clean sheet. That's the first time the guys at the back had played together. Three of them only had 45 minutes over pre-season. "It was a very good work-out, Airdrie try to play football and they are fit. We were patient and we were delighted with the win.''

Doolan netted after Airdrie had lost possession deep inside their own half, but Diamonds first-team coach Kevin McBride focused on the positives.

McBride said: "The goal is disappointing, but the way we want to play is building from the back, so things like that are going to happen. I would never land the blame on anyone.

"The most pleasing thing was none of the boys gave in, we went right to the last whistle."