Queen’s Park 2 Airdrieonians 0

Queen’s Head Coach Callum Davidson admitted it was good to utilise the squad over the past week. Following progression in both the Scottish Cup and SPFL Trust Trophy, Queen’s rang the changes making five alterations from Tuesday’s Trust Trophy victory over Rangers B. Naming a more familiar line up, Jack Wills came out for Calum Ferrie, Cammy Kerr returned at right back as Zac Mauchin dropped to the bench, vice-captain Louis Longridge returned from the start replacing Roddy MacGregor and Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia came out of the eleven to be replaced by Jack Thomson and Ryan Duncan took over from Josh Scott at left back.

The Spiders wasted no time attacking straight from the kick off. A long ball over the top found Rudden, but his attempt was comfortably gathered by visiting keeper Kieran Wright.

A short Airdrieonians back pass in the 11th minute gave Rudden the chance at goal from just inside the Airdrie half but his shot didn’t have enough purchase to lob Wright who was off his line.

The first goal of the match was scored as Queen’s had a man over on the right side, Kerr ran onto the cross-field ball, he played through the advancing Turner who then played the ball across for captain Dom Thomas and he put the Spiders in front in the 14th minute.

Queen’s then doubled their advantage on 21 minutes. Turner did well to win a free kick out on the right ,Thomson took it quickly and caught the Airdrieonians defence cold and a looped a ball found Louis Longridge who lobbed the ball on the half volley into the top corner over the advancing Wright.

Queen’s pushed for a 3rd goal as Thomas played conductor in the middle of the park, he had Rudden to the right and Turner to his left, the captain opted for Turner and his strike looked to beat Kieran Wright but for a sliding block to put the ball behind for a corner.

Half-time: Queen’s Park 2-0 Airdrieonians

The Spiders took a while to get going in the second period following a dominant first half. Some excellent play by Thomas gave Longridge a run inside the box, but his effort was well stopped by Wright.

Rudden very nearly made it three on 63 minutes as some good interplay between Longridge and Duncan released a ball into the middle of the park. Thomson did well to ride a challenge and play the ball through for Rudden, but the striker’s shot arrowed just wide of the right-hand post.

Rudden had another chance as Thomas slipped him through, the striker broke clear but opted to try and chip Wright, which allowed Luke Bradley-Morgan time to divert the ball over the bar.

Airdrieonians carved out a chance to half the deficit, a good run from Ben Wilson created space down the left-hand side, he whipped a ball across the face of goal, but Mochrie’s header was well held by Ferrie.

The Spiders continued to hold the Diamonds at arm’s length as the game reached its conclusion with no further scoring and a comfortable home win was confirmed.

Full-time: Queen’s Park 2-0 Airdrieonians

Queen’s Park: Callum Ferrie GK; Sean Welsh, Louis Longridge, (Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia ’79) Jack Thomson, Dom Thomas (C), (Josh Hinds ‘90+1) Will Tizzard, (Henry Fieldson ’44) Zak Rudden, (Liam McLeish ’79) Jack Turner, (Roddy MacGregor ’79) Ryan Duncan, Dane Murray, Cammy Kerr.
Unused subs: Jack Wills (GK), Zac Mauchin, Josh Scott, Max Thompson.

Airdrieonians: Kieran Wright GK; Ben Wilson, Lewis McGregor, (Cammy Cooper ’78) Adam Frizzell (C), Flynn Duffy, Craig Watson, Lewis McGrattan, (Chris Mochrie ’70) Gavin Gallagher, Sam Graham, Rhys Armstrong, Luke Badley-Morgan.
Unused subs: Murray Johnson (GK), Terrell Agyemang, Dylan Williams, Cole Williams, Jamie White.