Savoury makes it a sweet homecoming for Spiders
QUEEN’S PARK 4
Savoury (25, 45), Murray (28), McPake (36) HAMILTON ACCIES 0 Queen’s Park took a step back in time but manager Owen Coyle is adamant they’re a club looking forward.
The Spiders were back at Hampden Park after playing their Championship games at Stenhousemuir since the start of the season.
They will move to Lesser Hampden shortly and will arrive there in fine fettle.
An impressive win over Hamilton pleased Coyle, although he believes there is still more to come.
He said: “I’m delighted with the result but the performance was more important.
“This isn’t really about the here and now, we are trying to develop a way of playing while trying to remain on an upward trajectory.
“In spells we were clinical and we have players at the top end of the pitch who can get you out of your seat.
“We have to keep improving and trying to get better. Come January, we might look to freshen it up and bring in one or two that can help us.”
Rarely in their 155-year history will the Spiders have enjoyed such a comfortable victory.
They could – and should – have racked up a bigger scoreline.
Accies had a couple of openings early in the game, with Ryan forcing a decent save by Ferrie and Tiehi heading wide when he had time to do better.
Then Grant Savoury hit the first of his two goals, when he smacked a sweet shot across the penalty box and into the corner of the net, and it was game over.
Simon Murray then ran behind the Accies’ defence to gather a precise Boateng through ball and was cool in slotting past Fulton.
That strike promoted chants from the travelling fans for the removal of John Rankin.
Number three saw Josh McPake being given time to cut in from the left and pick his spot.
Savoury was on target again with the last kick of the first half.
His team-mates were allowed to exchange a number of flicks and back-heels before the former Peterhead player rifled home.
Queen’s Park are a club still getting used to their move from being an amateur outfit to one with well-paid professional players.
The prospect of being promoted to the Premiership raises new challenges.
Efforts are under way to increase the fanbase and yesterday the crowd of 3,231 was boosted by youngsters from local schools and community groups.
While Queens are on the up, Accies keep sliding in the opposite direction.
They’re at the bottom of the Championship but boss John Rankin isn’t resigned to relegation.
He said: We’re two points behind Arbroath but that’s only one win. If we get a win that will build confidence.”
The former midfielder understood why this performance had supporters demanding his sacking.
He went on: “We were soft, timid and so naive at times.
“I’m disgusted and embarrassed by it. So I totally understand why they’re upset.
“I’m not going to accept it. I’m going to try to make us better.”
“In football you never know what’s around the corner but I’ll never give up.”