Spiders are now the underdogs
QP all ready to take on Stenhousemuir
Queen’s Park gaffer Gus MacPherson says his team are well used to the underdog tag as they prepare for tonight’s play-off final first leg against Stenhousemuir.
For the first time in five attempts, QP have made it past the play-off semi-final stage after overcoming Arbroath 3-2 on aggregate.
The QP gaffer is well aware his side will be considered underdogs as they prepare to take on League One side Stenhousemuir, but insists it’s something he’s used to.
Gus said: “It’s been that way for most of the season. It wasn’t until the latter part of the season before teams started to recognise that we were a threat and some teams set themselves up differently from when we played them at the start of the season.
“It will be a tough game. Stenhousemuir have players with Premiership and Championship experience.
“It’s a big opportunity. I was aware of how long it had been since we had made a play-off final before the game, but we weren’t concerning ourselves with it. All we can do is perform to the standards we have done this season.”
The Spiders made the final in dramatic fashion after scoring an extra time winner against Arbroath at Hampden on Saturday. The first leg had ended at 2-2, with the Spiders throwing away a two goal lead.
Gus added: “You’ve got to be respectful to Arbroath, they are a good side. We knew it would be a tough game and their goal before half time changed everything. They had the wind at their backs after half time as well.
“If you had offered us a 2-2 draw before that game then we would have taken it.”
However Tony Quinn’s extra time goal in the second leg was enough to send the side through.
Gus said: “At the time we were delighted to get the goal, there was a great sense of joy and relief. It was getting really nervy!
“Both teams had chances during the game, so we were glad we took one of ours at such a pivotal moment.”
For the latest Queen’s Park news visit the club’s official website at www. queensparkfc.co.uk Queen’s Park have made it to the League One play-off final for the first time after beating Arbroath 1-0 on Saturday.
It took a good block from Pat Slattery in nine minutes to stop a right foot shot from Murray
On 22 minutes Willie Muir saved low down from Carreiro
An uninspiring first half came to a close with the teams locked at 0-0.
Linn should have put Arbroath ahead in 57 minutes and it took an excellent save from Willie Muir to deny him.
Queen’s created a chance on 64 minutes, with Paul Woods heading in to the side net.
The game went to extra time and on 118 minutes from a corner the Arbroath keeper punched straight to Tony Quinn, who slammed a right foot shot in to the net.
QUEEN’S PARK: Muir, Mitchell, Quinn, Wharton, Burns, Berry (McVey 90), Slattery, Rooney (McPherson 99), Fraser (McElroy 70), Woods, Carter