Play-off joy would be just reward for Queen's Park players, says Spiders boss Speirs

May 9 2012 By Fraser Wilson

Martin McBride

QUEEN'S PARK boss Gardner Speirs insists his players deserve to make it fourth time lucky in their quest for play-off glory.

The Spiders head to Stair Park for the first leg of their semi final against Stranraer with the return at Hampden on Saturday.

It's the third year in a row Queen's have made it to this stage by finishing in the top four of the third division.

But it's actually the fourth year in succession Speirs' men have been involved as they lost their second division status through the end of season play-off back in 2009.

Now, after finishing second in the standings this year round, optimism is high that the Hampden men can clinch their place back in Division Two.

Speirs said: "To get promoted this season would be a reward for all the players' hard work."

The Spiders can take confidence from the fact they won on their last trip to Stair Park just 10 days ago. Two goals from Jamie Longworth and a Tony Quinn header secured a 3-2 win on that occasion.

In fact, Queen's have beaten Stranraer in all four meetings between the sides this season.

Speirs added: "We have held the upper hand this season but all the games have been close and I expect this one to be exactly the same."

Queen's have been dealt a double midfield blow however with David Anderson set to miss out with a hamstring injury and Martin McBride, pictured, missing through work commitments.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Neil Parry this week became the latest player to commit to the club for next season.

The towering No.1 signed from junior side Arthurlie 12 months ago and has been a rock between the sticks for Speirs.

Parry brings to 11 the number of first team players re-signed for next season along with captain Richard Sinclair, James Brough, Peter Bradley, Giuseppe Capuano, Tony Quinn, Davie Anderson, Owen Ronald, Craig Smith, Jamie Longworth and Ian Watt.