The Jags' Scottish Cup hopes were dashed on Saturday as they went down 2-0 at Firhill to the SPL side, thanks largely to Casalinuovo's 26th minute handball, which match officials failed to spot.

Archibald was right next to the incident and was first to complain to referee Dougie McDonald, but the protestations fell on deaf ears.

The defender said: "The referee knew something was wrong because of our reaction and he had the decency to go over and speak to his linesman but he didn't see anything wrong. I don't understand that because he was right in line with play.

"Everyone knows it was a handball but these things happen."

Archibald knows, however, that Thistle had chances to win the game and believes his side can be proud of their performance.

He said: "We had one or two chances and if they go in, it's a different game.

"Whenever we have come up against an SPL side we have done well. There wasn't a massive gap between the sides on Saturday and I think United would agree with that."

While Archibald relishes the cup ties, the Jags skipper knows this weekend's league clash at Stark's Park is more important.

He said: "We need to go to Raith and pick up three points. It will be a hard-fought game because they are fighting for their lives as well.

"Airdrie beating Dundee recently shows that anything can happen in this league. That result gave us hope but we know we have to win every game to catch Dundee."

Meanwhile, manager Ian McCall has confirmed that there will be two new faces at Firhill after the club signed 22-year-old Celtic midfielder Ryan Conroy on loan for the rest of the season and brought in keeper Bryn Halliwell.

Halliwell, who started his career at Wimbledon before spells at Clyde, Dunfermline, St Johnstone, Hamilton and Queen of the South, will provide cover for well established No 1 Jonny Tuffey after his understudy Craig Hinchcliffe picked up a knee injury.