QUEEN’S PARK Cup run is over for the Spiders

QP coach gutted after sucker punch

Q u e e n ’s P a r k c o a c h G u s MacPherson has admitted he was disappointed to see his side knocked out of the Scottish Cup.

The Spiders hosted Albion Rovers at New Broomfield in their third round tie, but it wasn’t to be for QP as, despite having the better of the first half, they were caught on the counter attack by the visitors.

Rovers - managed by Cambuslang man Darren Young - increased their lead in the second half, before QP pulled back a goal near the end.

Gus said: “I wouldn’t say we played well but I thought we were in control of the first half and were then caught by a sucker punch.

“We controlled possession but did not have a major threat; credit to Albion Rovers who defended well.

“We lost our way a wee bit after the second goal and did not play with the composure we have shown in recent weeks.

“It was a winnable game for both teams but on the day Albion Rovers have taken their chances. We struggled at times but we still had opportunities.”

When it was put to him that he has a good side, Gus conceded: “They’re alright.

“You can see the impact losing Vinny Berry had on the team as we looked a bit disjointed for a while. It’s a concern as he will miss a number of weeks.”

Queen’s midfielder Tony Quinn admitted that, after playing Rangers in the league cup earlier this season, he had hoped to take on another big side in the Scottish Cup.

He said: “We’re disappointed to be out as we had a taste of Rangers in the League Cup and all of the boys loved it.

“But we will have to pick ourselves up as getting into the promotion play-offs is the main aim for us this season.

“The boys have done great since the start of the season and we’ve been on a good unbeaten run.”

It’s a return to league business this weekend for the second-placed Queen’s, as they will take on leaders Arbroath at Gayfield.

Coach Gus added: “It’s now about how we react in the next game which will be a tough one at Arbroath. We will regroup and go again.” Queen’s Park’s Scottish Cup run was ended on Saturday with a defeat by Albion Rovers.

The Spiders should have opened the scoring in the 10th minute but Shaun Rooney nodded Darren Miller’s deep cross wide.

Queen’s went close again midway through the half with Bryan Wharton nodding over from another impressive delivery by Miller.

Rovers plundered the opener on the stroke of half time.

Mark McGuigan was given too much room on the right flank to send over a cross which found Gemmell, who fired home.

Gemmell doubled the visitors’lead in the 51st minute when he passed the ball into the bottom corner.

The Spiders bagged a consolation thanks to a low drive from Burns.

QUEEN’S PARK: Muir, Rooney, Wharton, McGregor, Gibson. Burns, Berry (Quinn, 35), Miller, McElroy. Fraser (Mortimer, 74), McPherson (Carter, 65)