Queen’s Park return to top of Under-19 Advanced Youth League

A HARD-FOUGHT win over Montrose sent Queen’s Park back to the top of the CAS under-19 advanced youth league.

Charley King’s side, supplemented by several first-team players overcame a strong visiting side 3-2 despite being down to ten men.

That came as a result of an injury to Kyle Rodger after all substitutions had been used, rather than a dismissal.

Nevertheless the Young Spiders showed their mettle in the closing stages to regain the lead despite their depleted numbers.

Tyrece McDonnell gave the home side the ideal start by tapping in the opener at Lochinch on Tuesday.

Queen’s Park controlled much of the first half after that ideal start albeit neither side made many more clear-cut chances.

However the Mo were level at the break after a mix-up in defence allowed the visitors to score shortly before half-time.

But King’s side bounced back in the second half, and then some.

The coach replaced the likes of Ricky Waugh, Timam Scott and goalscorer McDonnell – all added to his squad for more minutes after finding themselves on the fringes of Sean Crighton’s first-team in recent weeks.

Those changes didn’t upset the rhythm of the side but did have an effect later in the game.

Connor Falls and Leo Clark – both currently on loan for weekend minutes with Cumbernauld Colts and Rutherglen Glencairn – made telling contributions in the second half. Falls held play up well and Clark switched sides from his usual spot to play left-back for the remainder.

But it was another defender who restored the lead. Cole Burke got across his man at a corner to meet the ball at the front post for a good finish on the volley.

By this stage the Spiders were dominating and playing well but when Rodger was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge and forced off Queen’s Park had to see out the remaining 20 minutes with 10 men.

Montrose were level again though with ten minutes to go when another lapse in concentration let the visitors in but despite the man advantage Connor Falls ran through and brought a long ball down and he showed nice composure and a neat finish for the winner.

Coach King said: “We knew this would be tough as a big strong and physical team. We tasked the  p[layers with keeping the ball from Montrose as much as possible – we knew this was the best route if we were to have any joy and we managed to do that.

“We showed real spirit with ten men to come back for the winner. What was really pleasing was we kept the ball well with ten men and didn’t allow Montrose pressure and Connor Falls was holding the ball up well.

“A mention too for Josiah Sowa on the wing, his pace helped us up the pitch. Overall it’s a really positive result, and especially in the circumstances the boys managed to show a real fight and different side to the game beyond playing pretty football.”