Spiders back up to second
Win over Clydey givesg Queen’s a major boost in promotion race
Queen’s Park boss Gus MacPherson praised his side following their 2- 0 win over rivals Clyde at Broadwood on Saturday.
A goal in the first half from Shaun Rooney and one in the second period from Shaun Fraser sealed the win for QP and took them to second in the table, only two points behind Arbroath.
Speaking to the Reformer, Gus said of the win: “We’re delighted with the result. When you get a goal early it helps.
“At half-time we should have went in further in front and there’s always that danger that Clyde can come back in to the game.
“Clyde started the second half better than us, but when we got the second goal we were alright, that relaxed us quite a bit.
“It’s always a boost to go away from home and win. Clyde are a good team and they had chances, but so did we and we played some good football.
“It was important for us to get the points and go above Albion Rovers and cut the gap on Arbroath.”
Next up QP will face East Stirling at New Broomfield this Saturday with a 3pm kick-off
Although currently mid-table, it is not an ideal time to be facing the Shire. They are unbeaten in three games and thrashed Montrose 4-0 at the end of last month.
The last time the two teams met QP ran out 3-1 winners.
And although Gus knows it will a tough game, he is intent on getting all three points and continuing the Spiders good form: “They are three games unbeaten in the league, so we will expect a tough game.
“They are starting to find some form and are a good side. They have been getting some good results recently.
“They have a good mix of players in their squad. We had a good performance the last time we played East Stirling, but we didn’t seal the game until the 90th minute when we got the third goal.
“We have to be respectful and maintain a standard. East Stirling will be playing with confidence but so are we. “
For the latest QP news visit the club’s official website on www.queensparkfc.co.uk. A goal in either half saw Queen’s Park claim a victory over rivals Clyde at Broadwood on Saturday.
There were some changes for both teams from there squads the week before.
At the Clyde end, following a lengthy absence due to a foot injury, Iain Gray returned to the side in midfield and he was joined by David Marsh and Scott McManus in the starting line-up.
And there were a couple of changes in Gus MacPherson’s line-up, with a groin injury to Scott Gibson seeing Ross Gallacher step in at left back. The other change was also on that flank, with Ciaran McElroy replacing Sean Burns, who dropped to the bench.
It was Queen’s who took the early initiative in the match by scoring after just four minutes. Shaun Rooney took full advantage of a dangerous corner delivery and headed home at the near post.
As Clyde tried to get back on level terms, McManus forced Willie Muir into a low save and Stephen O’Donnell’s shot went just wide of the post.
The home side were more adventurous and almost grabbed an equaliser after 25 minutes.
Quinn’s headed clearance was picked up by O’Donnell just outside the box and his first-time shot went just past.
At the other end, Alan Martin pulled off a superb save to divert Darren Miller’s free-kick off target.
As the second half progressed, Clyde started coming in to the game more.
Michael Daly twice came close to getting an equaliser. The striker had the ball in the net but was ruled offside and then, a few minutes later, saw his header cleared off the line.
On 64 minutes Rooney worked his way down the right and put a cross right on the head of McElroy.
He connected well with the header but the keeper pulled off a good save at point blank range.
Martin was in action again to stop Ciaran McIlroy’s close range header finding the net but Queen’s did get a second goal on 66 minutes, with Shaun Fraser eventually forcing the ball home after a ball into the box led to an untidy ricochet.
There were chances for Clyde before the end, with Daly unable to control Euan Murray’s pass and Murray then seeing his header bounce just over the bar.
The final action of the afternoon saw Rooney try to cap an excellent afternoon with a second goal. His shot from distance was struck well enough, but rose just a shade too quickly and cleared the upright.
CLYDE: Martin, Marsh, McQueen (Gray, 45), Durie, McGhee, Ferguson, Smith (Murray, 69), Gray, O’Donnell, McManus, Daly.
QUEEN’S PARK: Muir, Rooney, Slattery, Quinn, Gallacher, Woods (Fotheringham, 88), Wharton, Miller, McElroy (Burns, 84), Carter, Fraser (Wylie, 91).