GARDNER Speirs was looking for a big improvement - and a big performance - as Queen’s prepared to take on Cowdenbeath.

Today’s Hampden fixture is the first of a three-game series between ourselves and the Fifers. And those matches will have a massive bearing on the end-of-season league tables.

Looking ahead to today’s clash, the boss said: “This is a big game for both of us. Cowdenbeath are two points behind us, but have a game in hand.

A victory would give us a bit of breathing space, but Cowdenbeath know that if they win they will jump above us in the league.

I understand that the one game between the teams this season was a bit disappointing, and we failed to create much in the way of chances. We’ll need to do better today, but it’s the ideal opportunity for the players to bounce back from what was not a very good performance last week against Airdrie United.

The first half was quite even but they were stronger physically in the second half - and we let ourselves down with the way we lost the two goals.
It’s not often it happens, but too few of our boys played to their full capabilities. It’s up to them to show that was a one-off.

The boys know they can do better, and are looking forward to proving it against Cowdenbeath.

It’s an important game, and we’re certainly looking on it as a chance to put a bit of distance between ourselves and Cowdenbeath, and narrowing the gap to the teams directly above us."

The news from the treatment table is that we'll be missing Mick Dunlop, who is progressing well after his knee operation. Stuart McGrady is also likely to miss out after failing to recover from the muscle knock he took last week.
Tony Quinn took a knock at training on Thursday, and could be a big doubt, but the positive news is that Paul Cairney is available again after suspension, and his energy will be a big boost for us.

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