Spidersshow strengthto holdCove

Queen’s Park head coach Laurie Ellis believes his side had to show their mettle to obtain a precious point away to Cove Rangers.

A 3-3 thriller played out between League One’s top two but the Spiders stay top on goal difference after claiming a point with 10 men.

Rory McAllister had put Cove in front but Queen’s were 2-1 ahead by half-time through Bob McHugh and Louis Longridge. The game changed when Spiders striker Simon Murray was sent off on 66 minutes.

Mitch Megginson and Stuart Morrison’s own goal looked to have handed Queen’s a defeat, but Michael Doyle struck seven minutes from time to earn them a point.

Ellis said:“It was a really hard fought point away from home, considering the circumstances of being down to 10 men for a long period of the second half.

“The resilience and commitment from the boys to get something out of the game was fantastic. It was a tough game and we knew that from the start.

“I felt there was a good sharpness to the first few minutes but then we are one goal behind.

“We were just waiting for the referee to blow his whistle for a free-kick. But the lads dusted themselves down and showed great spirit to get their equaliser.

“We go in at half-time at 2-1. We were playing against a good side with experienced players who have got what it takes at this level. We were 3-2 down with 10 minutes left, and we were down a man as well.”

Ellis was pleased with the guts and desire shown by his players to obtain a point. Queen’s face basement club East Fife at Firhill on Saturday.

The head coach added:“The boys had to show character right to the end.

“Lee Kilday hits the bar and then we finally get the goal through Michael Doyle’s header. It’s game, game, game at the moment and they are all tough.

“But we have a squad of players hungry to do well.”