Frustration for Spiders
Gus MacPherson insists Queen’s Park players are standing their ground in League One – and should have ambushed title hopefuls Ayr United.
A goal in each half from Jamie Adams and Lawrence Shankland earned Ian McCall’s team a 2-0 victory, their first win in four league games, at Hampden on Saturday.
The Spiders had their opportunities with visiting keeper Jordan Hart saving Ross Millen’s second-half penalty.
However, MacPherson admits his men are giving everything and is looking for more of the same when his side travel to crisis-hit Airdrieonians this Saturday.
“We should have won the game,” the Hampden gaffer said. “But if you don’t take chances then you’re not going to win.
“I’m sure if Ian is being honest he would maybe ask the same question: ‘How did we win that?’ It’s because they took their chances.
“We played well again and I can’t ask any more from the performance. We’ve worked the ball into good areas and created numerous chances.
“The standard of performance they have set in the last two games against full-time clubs with budgets that are Championship budgets has been exceptional.
Spiders’ midfielder David Galt struck the post early-on before the visitors took the lead midway through the first half.
Brian Gilmour floated a cross to the back post with Adams guiding a lovely header beyond keeper Willie Muir and into the far corner of the net.
Ayr keeper Jordan Hart preserved his side’s advantage with a fine double save from Luke Donnelly and Dominic Docherty as Queen’s pressed for an equaliser.
In the 56th minute, the home side were awarded a penalty when Michael Rose was judged to have brought down Galt in the box.
However, Hart guessed right and saved Millen’s spot-kick then denied Donnelly from the rebound.
That was a major blow for the Spiders who knew the game was up in the 67th minute when Shankland produced a smart finish after a good run.
The home side continued to persevere but just couldn’t provide a finishing touch with Ayr workmanlike as they held on for a vital victory which gets their title push back on track.
Queen’s remain ninth in the table – three points adrift of this weekend’s