After three matches on the road, Ray McKinnon’s men get their first taste of home action this Saturday as Brian Reid’s Albion Rovers come calling to Hampden. It’s the the Spiders first match at the National Stadium in just short of eight months and it’s one that the gaffer will looking to take maximum points from.
Ahead of the fixtures Ray McKinnon spoke to the club media team to give his thoughts, saying: “We are delighted to finally have our first home game having been on the road for the first three games of the season and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to play at Hampden.
“We know Albion Rovers will be out to make things difficult for us as they look to bounce back from what will have been a disappointing result for them last week. We are also looking to build on last week’s match at Stirling Albion where the outcome was not what we wanted.
“It’s hugely important for us that our home form is good this season, we know that teams enjoy coming to play at Hampden so there is an onus on us to make that as difficult as possible for them. Home form will be very important to us over the course of the season and it’s vital that we use Hampden to our advantage on Saturday and every other home game that follows.
“We had the opportunity to train at Hampden on Thursday which went very well. It allowed the players to get an idea of what the surface is going to be like ahead of the game and it was a session that the squad really enjoyed.
On the squad front the gaffer was pleased to welcome midfielder Craig Slater back into the squad and said: “We are delighted to have Craig back and available for selection again. Craig is a big player for us who brings real creativity to the middle of the park and his return is hugely pleasing. The game does come too early for Simon Murray who has now returned to training, although not at a full contact level just yet. Simon could still be another two weeks or so away but it’s important that we don’t rush him back too quickly. He is looking very sharp in training and we are excited at the prospect of having him available for selection in the not too distant future.
Stats Life
The opposition: Brian Reid’s side go into Saturday’s game in search of their first victory of the season and on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Stenhousemuir last Saturday. That result came on the back on a 5-2 defeat and a 2-2 draw with Ayr United and Stranraer respectively, in the Betfred Cup.
Head to head: Played 225; Queen’s Park 79; Draw 66; Albion Rovers 80. Scored – Queen’s Park 354; Albion Rovers 318.
Last meeting of the sides: 26/01/2020 Queen’s Park 2-2 Albion Rovers.
Last matches: 17/10/2020 Stirling Albion 0-0 Queen’s Park; Albion Rovers 1-3 Stenhousemuir.
Recent form: Queen’s Park LLD; Albion Rovers LDL.
Match officials: Referee – Matthew MacDermid; Assistant Referees – Gary Hilland and Duncan Nicolson.
Programme: Read our digital match programme HERE.
Facebook: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live goal, 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 page.
QPTV Live: Purchase access to our live stream of the match for just £10 at https://ppv.qptv.co.uk/login
QPTV: Post match reaction from the manager and a player will be available shortly after the game. Match highlights to follow on Sunday on our YouTube channel.
Next match: 31/10/2020 v Stranraer at Stair Park. Kick off 3.00pm.
Other League Two matches: Annan Athletic v Stranraer; Edinburgh City v Cowdenbeath; Elgin City v Brechin City; Stenhousemuir v Stirling Albion.