PARTICK THISTLE are facing two unwelcomed trips to Cowdenbeath in the space of four days after their Irn-Bru First Division fixture with the Blue Brazil once again fell victim to the weather.

The Central Park clash, which has already been postponed twice and was then abandoned last month due to fog, was called off just after 6pm last night, despite an inspection being scheduled for an hour later.

After facing Livingston this weekend, Thistle will now to head to Fife next Wednesday before returning on Saturday to hopefully complete their four fixtures against Colin Cameron's side for this season.

The Jags will then face three consecutive midweek fixtures, travelling to Raith before hosting title rivals Morton days after their Ramsdens Cup final with Queen of the South and then welcoming Rovers to Firhill on April 16.

The latest Cowden call-off is another major frustration for Thistle interim boss Alan Archibald, who has seen his side keep up the pressure on the top-of-the-table Ton in recent weeks with five consecutive wins.

Thistle have not conceded a goal in any of those fixtures and the Firhill boss has hailed central defensive duo Conrad Balatoni and Aaron Muirhead for their recent efforts. Archie said: "I couldn't have asked for any more from them. That is five clean sheets in a row now and Aaron and Conrad are saying the two against Morton don't count because they weren't from open play.

"They both took note of the performance in the abandoned game and we are working with them all the time. They are young and they will make mistakes but it is about how they learn from it.

"I believe that on form they are our best centre-half pairing but when you take me out the team, it is experience and a voice missing and that is something you only get by working on it."

ARCHIBALD added: "We do a bit extra all the time with them, we make sure that they are speaking to each other all the time and that is paying off.

"Scott Paterson has been fantastic, he has made a great impact. The boys look up to him and the way he goes about his business.

"I am delighted to have him here helping me."

Thistle's latest clean sheet came at New Douglas Park on Saturday as goals from Balatoni and Christie Elliot clinched a 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies.

It has been an impressive few weeks for the Jags as Archibald has kept his side well in the hunt for the First Division crown and staked his claim for the Jags top job.

Thistle's squad depth will be tested to the limit in the title run-in and Archibald is delighted to see all his stars playing their part.

He said: "They have all taken on board that it is a squad game and they know that they will all be needed between now and the end of the season.

"Whenever I took over from Jackie McNamara, the team was strong and playing well.

"The guys in the starting positions deserved to be there on form.

"Everyone has played their part in the last few weeks and that is important."