ARBROATH 0 QUEEN’S PARK 5

Thomas (17, 81), Sheridan (27), Scott, (37), Welsh, (59)

Dom Thomas led from the front with two sublime strikes as Queen’s Park gave their Championship survival hopes a major boost with a five-star display at Arbroath.

Thomas netted a double either side of goals from Josh Scott, Cillian Sheridan and Sean Welsh as the Spiders moved above Inverness into eighth place.

And manager Callum Davidson saluted his skipper’s leadership qualities as they seek the final day victory over Airdrieonians that will secure their Championship status.

“Dom has been such a vital player for us over the years,” said Davidson.

“He’s very technically-gifted and gets us ticking but people often underestimate the part he plays as captain.

“He’s a great leader on and off the park and having him fitandfiringmakesahuge difference to us.

“We’ve now given ourselves a chance to stay up. We know a win on Friday against Airdrieonians means we’re safe.”

After an early flurry of corners for Arbroath, Queen’s Park took control.

Top scorer Ruari Paton screwed their first effort wide before Arbroath keeper Max Boruc blocked from Sheridan.

But Boruc could do nothing to prevent a sweetly-struck Thomas strike from finding the top corner of the net in 17 minutes.

The visitors continued to press and Paton somehow conspired to blast over from close range.

It was only a matter of time before they added to their lead, though, with Sheridan superbly blasting into the top corner from 15 yards.

Scott netted his first senior strike from close range after Sheridan set him up.

Defender Welsh scrambled in a fourth on 59 minutes as Spiders cruised to victory.

And Thomas saved the best for last with an exquisite finish to wrap up a comfortable win.

That sealed Arbroath’s ninth successive loss and manager Jim McIntyre said: “Our defending was shocking. I can’t dress it up, there are no excuses.

“Queen’s Park’s finishing was ruthless but we gave them far too many chances to score.”