Queen’s make the short journey to Coatbridge this evening to face Brian Reid’s Albion Rovers as Ray McKinnon’s men kick off what will be a hectic period ahead, playing twice a week between now and the end of the season. The Spiders head to the Reigart Stadium looking to build on the victories over Stranraer and Brechin City which have ensured a winning return to play and strengthened our position at the top of the League Two table.
As well as looking to secure another three points, Wullie Muir and his back four will be looking to continue the impressive form that has saw Queen’s concede just once in six away matches so far this season and add to the eight clean sheets amassed from the opening 11 games.
Ahead of the game the club media team spoke to gaffer Ray McKinnon to get his thoughts. Ray said: “It’s a game that we’re all looking forward to but one which we expect to be tricky for us. I watched Albion Rovers play at home to Edinburgh City last week and it was a game that could have went either way. They are a very competitive side who have strengthened with experienced players throughout their squad and we expect a very tough encounter.”
“From our perspective though we will be looking to build on the back to back wins we’ve had since returning. I was delighted with the way we approached the game for the whole 90 minutes on Saturday and I thought the entire team were right at Brechin from the first whistle. It was pleasing to get the two goals early in the game but we did miss a lot of chances over the remaining 65-70 minutes which would have allowed us to put the game to bed a bit earlier, however we can’t be too despondent with a 2-0 victory away from home at a crucial stage of the season.”
“I was also really pleased with how the players that came in, slotted straight in. We had been planning to make changes but it was still pleasing to see how well the squad responded and see everyone contribute. That is testament to the players and the work they are putting in every day. It’s evident to me that the players realise the importance of working hard in every game and ensuring that their consistency levels are as high as possible. The boys know they can’t take their foot off the gas and know that if they give it everything they have every week, we’ll give ourselves the best opportunity of being successful.”
On the injury front the gaffer confirmed that he will still be without the services of some of those who missed out at the weekend however he was pleased to confirm that he expects to have Lee Kilday, who was forced off at Glebe Park, fit for the game. Ray also confirmed that the squad will be bolstered by the return of Luca Connell who missed Saturday’s trip to Brechin having been on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under 21 side in Wales.
The opposition: Rovers currently sit ninth in the table with seven points from 11 matches. They go into the game looking to end a run of five without victory, with their weekend draw against Annan Athletic having halted a run of four defeats on the bounce. During the shutdown they strengthened by adding Harry Stone, James McGowan, Ryan Stevenson, David Cox, Mark Sideserf and ex Spiders Paul Gallacher and Jamie McKernon to the squad.
Head to head: Played – 226; Queen’s Park – 80; Draw – 66; Albion Rovers – 80. Scored – Queen’s Park – 356; Albion Rovers 318.
Last meeting of the sides: 21/11/2020 Queen’s Park 3-0 Brechin City. Watch the goals from this game, HERE
Last matches: 27/03/2021 Brechin City 0-2 Queen’s Park; Albion Rovers 1-1 Annan Athletic.
Recent form (all competitions): Queen’s Park – DWWLWW; Albion Rovers – WLLLLD.
Top scorers (all competitions): Queen’s Park – Bob McHugh (6); Albion Rovers – Matthew Aitken (7).
Match officials: Referee – David Dickinson; Assistant Referees – David Dunne and Regan Wallace.
Live streaming: Details of how to buy a pass for Albion Rovers live stream can be found HERE.
Facebook: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by half time and full time score updates via our Facebook page.
Twitter: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live updates throughout the match via our Twitter account @QueensParkFC.
Instagram: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live goal, half time and full-time score updates via our Instagram.
QPTV: Post match reaction from the manager will be available shortly after the game.
Next match: Saturday 3rd April, Queen’s Park v Stirling Albion, kick off 3.00pm at The Falkirk Stadium.
Other League Two matches: Brechin City v Elgin City; Cowdenbeath v Edinburgh City; Stirling Albion v Stenhousemuir