The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Ferguson fears tough time against Queens
1-1 draw at Victoria Park in December.
Ferguson believes Queens’ forward players – most notably 30-goal striker Stephen Dobbie – have the potential to cause the Staggies problems.
He said: “We’ve found it difficult against Queens this year. They’re a wellorganised team and work extremely hard.
“They take advantage of their pitch down there and, with the travel for us, we’ve found it a difficult place to go.
“What Queens always carry is that work ethic and togetherness – but also a fantastic goal threat.
“Any team with a goal threat has a chance, so we’re under no illusions. We’ve had two tough games previously and in the third meeting, both teams will know each other.
“It’s going extremely hard.”
County remain three points clear at the top of the Championship, with last week’s 1-0 defeat to Morton seeing them miss out on to be the opportunity to double their advantage, given Ayr United’s loss to Falkirk.
Ferguson insists the Staggies must not dwell on the loss, adding: “It was an opportunity missed, but results over the weekend just show how difficult the Championship is.
“People were asking if we were surprised we were not punished more than we were after not winning on Friday night, but I genuinely wasn’t surprised.
“Looking at the fixtures and how the clubs are fighting for absolutely everything, there’s always a wee twist and turn to come.
“Dundee United, Ayr and Caley Thistle were all at home and only one of them got a point.
“That’s credit to how competitive the league is.”
County’s squad is depleted with Brian Graham and Marcus Fraser suspended, Stelios Demetriou, Iain Vigurs and Liam Fontaine out longterm, while Sean Kelly, Callum Morris and Don Cowie remain doubtful.