And Firhill assistant Simon Donnelly admits the memories of Culter still haunt the Jags' management duo as they prepare for another crack at the William Hill Scottish Cup this weekend.
Thistle drew 1-1 with the Junior league side 12 months ago before claiming a straightforward home win to finally progress to the next round.
Tomorrow, they find themselves in a similar situation as they face a Cove Rangers side who they are expected to beat comfortably at Firhill.
The Jags have been in superb form so far this season as they have shown their title intentions in the Irn-Bru First Division and booked a Ramsdens Cup final berth.
The third-round clash with Cove should not present any major headaches for McNamara's men, but Donnelly insists they won't treat the Highland League side lightly after last season's close encounter.
He said: "It is a totally different challenge, but it is one we are looking forward to. Culter is obviously the warning at the back of your mind, we won't take it lightly.
"It is good that we have got home advantage. We hope this season is a chance for us to get a run in the cup, but we have to take care of tomorrow first and foremost.
"The boys who were involved at Culter won't need reminded of it. Myself and Jackie certainly don't need reminded of it.
"It has probably been the lowest point yet, so I don't think we will need to touch on it. The focus will very much be on the way we have been playing this year. If we can approach it in the same way as we have every other game this year, particularly at home, then hopefully we can win the game.
"Culter wasn't an experience we would like to repeat. We have got to treat Cove like any other game and give them the respect they are due.
"The big thing for us is that we are at home so we should be able to go and put on a performance like we have done at Firhill this season.
"You are in a no-win situation really. It was the same with Culter, you are expected to beat them.
"You are in a higher division and we are expected to go out and take care of it.
"We will be as professional as we always are and hopefully we can get through to the next round."
With their title challenge taking a back seat before they host championship rivals Dunfermline next week, Thistle will be keen to avoid a shock early exit and ruin their encouraging start.
Their Ramsdens run aside, the Jags' cup form has been poor in recent years and Donnelly is keen to set the record straight and embark on a money-spinning run in the coming months.
He said: "The cups were the big disappointment for us last year. It would be great to get a run in the Scottish Cup. With the way the team is playing, we would like to think we have a great chance against anyone at home.
"It would be good to get a run for the club financially and it would be great for the supporters. That is our intention. It was a big disappointment last year not getting anywhere near where we hoped, so hopefully this is the year.
"In our situation, every penny helps. We are the same as every other club in the division. The players and supporters will look beyond that, they want to go and play against the best teams and the cup gives us a great opportunity to hopefully go and do that."
