Queen’s Park under-17s & Under-19s top are Christmas Number 1

The under-17s secured their spot with a tight win over second-placed Ross County – just two points behind the Wee Spiders heading into the match in Dingwall.

The first half was a tale of two penalties – each converted and the teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.

cole Goldie won and converted the Spiders’ strike, but at the other end the Stggies pulled an equaliser back from the spot.

The home side had gone direct for much of the first-half, aiming to feed the Highland front two as often as possible, but they were still limited in their chances to test Kai Stevenson.

After the break the keeper was called upon to save another penalty awarded against the Spiders following some confusion in the visitors’ box, but Stevenson made the crucial move to keep them level.

That provided the platform for Grant Kerr who had helped craft the opener, and he finished the 70th minute winner with a shot from the edge of the box.

Coach Mitchell said: “This is a fantastic result for the team, I’m really proud of all the players – the starters and those who came on for their performance and contribution in what was probably our most difficult game of the league season so far. 

Ross County played to their strengths and we spoke about this before the game. We knew we had to show that we could do the so called ugly side of the game winning our headers, defending set pieces and picking up second balls. Overall, I thought we done that relatively well throughout the game, only really giving up a few half chances from open play. 

“I thought we dealt with any pressure after the point we went ahead and saw the game out well for a fantastic win away from home.” 

Queen’s Park: Stevenson, Breeds, Divers, Smith, Kerr, Wright, Lafferty Quail, Goldie, Moore, Anderson. 
Subs: Browne, Cunningham, Watt.