It’s a return to league action for the Spiders this Saturday as Michael Paton’s Brechin City side visit the National Stadium for a top versus bottom clash. Ray McKinnon’s men will undoubtedly be looking forward to resuming the league campaign on the back of two very difficult Betfred Cup ties last week against Queen of the South and St Mirren. Despite competing well for spells in both games they untimely ended in back to back defeats and they are games that the squad will be looking to take the positives from but put firmly behind them when they take to the Hampden pitch this weekend.
Manager’s thoughts
“We’re looking forward to being back at Hampden and returning to the league where we expect a tough test against a Brechin side who will be determined to do all they can to try and take something from the game. The squad know what is expected of them, know they’ll need to be at their best and most importantly know that they need to approach the game in the right manner.
“It’s our home game and we know the onus is very much on us to take the game to Brechin if we want the three points. We know that Brechin will have a game plan to make it difficult for us so from my perspective it comes down to our attitude and application. Our game plan and intention is obviously to win the game and I believe if we approach the game as we want to, we will give ourselves a great chance of taking the points.
“I feel that week on week we are getting better as a team and there hasn’t been a game so far this season that we haven’t played well for long spells. It’s important that we build on that, taking the experience of the last two Betfred Cup ties where the squad competed very well with teams from higher levels. There were periods of the game against both Queen of the South and St Mirren where we were excellent both defensively and tactically, and that can only add to the confidence of the players as we return to league action.
“We will be looking to build on the positive start we have made in the league in the knowledge that if we can continue to keep clean sheets, those are the platforms for us to go and win matches. The group have worked extremely hard to earn those clean sheets in the first four matches and that is something which they want to build on and continue. It’s also vital that we work equally as hard to take our chances at the other end and be more clinical in front of goal.”
Squad news: The gaffer confirmed that he will have a couple of late calls to make on the availability of players but was hopeful that those that are doubtful will be available for selection.
The opposition: Brechin go into the game sitting bottom of the table on goal difference having picked up three points from their opening four league matches. Their one and only victory of the season so far came three weeks ago away to Albion Rovers. That was however followed up by a 5-0 home defeat against Stirling Albion and a 2-0 Betfred Cup defeat against Kelty Hearts.
Head to head: Played 108; Queen’s Park 36; Draw 28; Brechin City 44. Scored – Queen’s Park 165; Brechin City 151.
Last meeting of the sides: 26/02/2020 Brechin City 0-0 Queen’s Park, League Two.
Last matches: 14/11/2020 Queen’s Park 0-1 St Mirren; Brechin City 0-2 Kelty Hearts.
Recent form (all competitions): Queen’s Park DWWWLL; Brechin City LLLWLL.
Top scorers (all competitions): Queen’s Park – Will Baynham (2); Brechin City – Kieran Inglis (2).
Match officials: Referee – Chris Graham; Assistant Referees – Chris Rae and Brent Falconer.
Live streaming: Information for members, season ticket holders and pay per view viewers https://queensparkfc.co.uk/qptv-live/
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.
QPTV: Post match reaction from the manager will be available shortly after the game. Match highlights to follow on Sunday morning on our YouTube channel.
Next match: v Stenhousemuir at Hampden on Saturday 28th November 2020. Kick off 3.00pm.
Other League Two matches: Cowdenbeath v Albion Rovers; Edinburgh City v Stranraer; Stenhousemuir v Annan Athletic; Stirling Albion v Elgin City.