QUEEN’S PARK under-19s recorded a handsome pre-season victory over Hearts at the Oriam as the Young Spiders build-up to next week’s CAS kick-off.
The Jambos included several of the Scottish Youth Cup winning team which defeated Queen’s Park 4-0 at Hampden in April.
But Charley King’s side ran out winners this time by six goals to three, after firing three in quick succession in the second half.
With a high turnover in the team King’s side was a young one with many first-year under-19s players.
Cole Goldie, Kyle Rodger and Daniel Edzii were involved after spending early pre-season with the first-team while goalkeeper David Mitchell was the only established first-team player involved as he continues his steady return under concussion protocols.
Mitchell was the first keeper to be beaten though as the home side took an early lead at their training base.
Ollie Preston responded for Queen’s Park after some good pressing play from the Spiders won the ball back and possession paid off with an equaliser.
Hearts again restored their lead but almost instantly Logan Duffy tapped-in from close range to level again.
That’s how it sat at half-time, but Charley King’s half-time team talk worked and the visitors scored three quick-fire goals to start the second 45 in style – Duffy again found the net followed by a double for Luke Moore.
Hearts pulled one back after the three-goal salvo – although Queen’s players and staff were appealing for offside.
Never the less Caiden Adams scored a very late goal for the 6-3 scoreline.
Charley King said: “It was a really good performance, a good team performance and from some individuals too.
“This was the first time the guys had some proper minutes since we came back – we’ve played some bounce games and closed door friendlies but this was a test for the team.
“Cole Goldie, Kyle Rodger and Ollie Preston had particularly good games and Daniel Edzii did well too before he had to come off with a knock.
“Overall it was a positive start for all the boys this season especially with them being so young and against a team we had played against in the Youth Cup Final and there were several players in the Hearts side from that night at Hampden so it was good to show up well against them.”
The 19s head for Dunfermline for another preparatory match tomorrow, ahead of kick-off in the competitive games in Dundee next week.
The Wee Spiders in the under-17s, led by Lee Mitchell, host Partick Thistle at Lochinch this evening. Kick-off 6pm.
