Chris Erskine backs Partick Thistle title bid as Jags ease past Forfar in cup

Aug 6 2012

THISTLE hitman Chris Erskine reckons consistency is key if the Jags are to mount a serious promotion challenge this season.

The gangly winger hit the opener as Partick eased past Forfar in the first round of the League Cup at Station Park on Saturday.

It was the second comfortable win in the row for the Jags after they disposed of Clyde in the Ramsdens Cup last weekend.

And Erskine is convinced the new-look Jags can build on their promising start and lead the charge towards promotion to the SPL.

He said: "Our pre-season went well and I don’t see why promotion should not be a target for us.

"We were inconsistent last year but have brought in a few good signings and they have settled in really well.

"Dundee would have had one of the strongest squads so it’s a bonus they're not there."

Jackie McNamara's side went ahead in 17 minutes on Saturday with summer signing Steven Lawless taking advantage of slack play before finding Erskine who fired home.

The Jags were well in control and Lawless doubled their lead with a superb 16-yard angled
finish on 37 minutes.

Forfar were thrown a lifeline two minutes from the interval when Hugh Murray pulled down Gavin Swankie in the box.

Murray was sent packing but Swankie failed to take advantage and blasted his penalty wildly over the bar.

And boss McNamara said: "Our focus and professionalism were excellent."