Game on as Queen's Park welcome Berwick to Hampden

Jan 15 2010 By Fraser Wilson

QUEEN'S PARK boss Gardner Speirs is relishing his club's first match in a month when high flying Berwick Rangers visit Hampden on Saturday.

With the third division fixture list being heavily hit by the aftermath of the festive freeze, the Spiders clash with Berwick may be the only one to survive this weekend.

Already postponed on Friday afternoon were the Albion v Livingston, Elgin v Annan Athletic and Forfar v East Stirling matches. Even the Stranraer v Montrose clash was in doubt despite the clubs agreeing to switch to Links Park.

But the weather is of no concern to Speirs as his charges focus on a first win over Berwick this season.

Defender James Brough faces a late fitness test after picking up a niggling knee injury and Queen's will also be without Iain Watt, Paul Harkins and Martin Ure - all of whom are closing in on a return after lengthy lay-offs.

Manager Speirs also hopes to conclude a deal with on-loan Ricky Little after the match which will see the full back stay at Hampden for the remainder of the season after his release from Partick Thistle.

Speirs said: "It seems a long time coming but we are looking forward to the Berwick match.

"We haven't played since December 19 but the players' attitude has been spot on and they have kept themselves ticking over in the last few weeks.

"It's an important match. Berwick are one of the better teams in the division but if we win we could climb a place in the table.

"They are going well in third place and have some strong players in their squad.

"It will be a difficult game but we are looking forward to it."