The last time Partick Thistle travelled to Dingwall, they ended a seven-match winless run by securing a comfortable victory and turned their season on its head, eventually charging into the top six.

And what manager Alan Archibald wouldn’t give for a similar outcome as on that freezing night just prior to last Christmas by wrapping up three points this Saturday.

The Jags go into the match against Ross County without a point to their name from their opening four fixtures, and Archibald is desperate to find a spark to turn around their fortunes yet again.

“When we won up there last Christmas time it was a massive victory and a real turning point in our season,” said Archibald.

“It was the second last game before the winter break and it really turned our season around.

“Hopefully we can do the same this weekend and start to get something to build on.

“There was a lot to build on from the Aberdeen game – we scored three goals – but we have to keep the back door shut.

“We need to try to defend a lot better because County are good middle to front.

“It’s not like us because we usually struggle to score and defend well but we have had a lot of changes and I don’t think I have been able to field the same team.

“That’s been hard in terms of getting consistency but there is enough quality in our squad.”

Given their torrid opening to the campaign, you might think that the international break came as some sweet relief for Archibald and his men, but he can’t wait to get his team back out there as they try to get their first points on the board.

“The break probably came at a bad time for us because we’re desperate to get our first league victory,” he said.

“We would rather have had a game, but it let us work on a few things. We know what has been wrong so we worked on that and it also enabled us to give some guys a few days off.

“We desperately just want to get off the mark. The longer it goes on the more everyone goes on about it and how negative that is.

“So, we want to get the victory, although Ross County will feel the same way as they only have one win so far. It will be a real tough contest.

“One win gets us in among other teams but we have a tough run of games, so this game is against one of our close rivals so it’s a real six-pointer.

“I think there will be two leagues within the division again with a few challenging at the top and group all challenging for top six, so all the more reason we need that first win."

A bright ray of sunshine piercing the doom and gloom over Firhill during their winless start has been the progress of long-term injury victim Gary Fraser, with the midfielder finally making some real strides in his road to recovery.

“Gary Fraser is back in with us but he is still a long way from selection,” said Archibald. “It’s all non-contact stuff.

“He has been through a really tough time mentally and physically. Touch wood, he has had no hiccups since has re-joined the boys.

“He has a long road ahead of him but it’s a good start for him.

“Muzzy (Dumbuya) has been doing some running too, so hopefully he’s not far away either.”