| Queen's Park v Albion Rovers |
| The Preview |
| There's nothing like a derby game to start a New Year. Well no, that isn't strictly true. There's nothing like a derby victory to kick off a calendar year, and Queens go into tomorrow's game against Albion Rovers with high expectations following their rich run of form of late. We have seen victories over 2nd Division Raith Rovers and top of the table Stenhousemuir at Hampden plus a comfortable cuffing of East Stirling and a continuation of this level of performance will be expected tomorrow. Yesterday's postponement (which can neither be described as early nor late, just abysmally timed) may have been frustrating at the time, but we have a chance to keep momentum up thanks to the slightly more hectic nature of the post Christmas fixture list. It could also prove to be a blessing in disguise. The players have now had the benefit of a full week's break, and should be fully fit and raring to go out there and grab the necessary three points tomorrow. Another bonus for the Spiders is that we could see the starting return of Paul Harvey, who has been missing due to a niggling knee injury, but has since returned to fitness, and featured as a substitute at Hampden last Monday. Harv has been instrumental for Queen's this season and Rovers know only too well of the threat the 37 year old poses. Coach Stark may not be to keen however, to tamper with the team who played so well against the league leaders and may opt to use Harvey as a substitute, keeping last Monday's starting XI intact. Our visitors from Coatbridge are sure to be fired up for this one, in particular ex-Spiders midfielder Martin Bonnar, who has scored on two of the occasions the clubs have met since his Hampden departure. Bonnar left Queen's on poor terms with both the supporters and the staff, and did nothing to rebuild the bridges with his unsporting behaviour which helped Rovers snatch a point at Cliftonhill in early November. To avoid another similar situation tomorrow, Queens should be looking to again dominate the match, create plenty of chances and kill the game off before the closing stages. If we strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, and put a run together, a challenge for promotion will begin to look increasingly likely. This is a key stage in the season for Queens, and a win tomorrow is imperative if we are to close the gap on the top three. Unlikely to be fit tomorrow are those who are only just back in training following injuries, including John Weir, Andy McGinty, Richard Bowers, Jonny Whelan and Richard Sinclair. Steven Canning also seems a way off making his QP return following his long lay off with a broken leg. |