Spiders Under-19s pipped at the post but still leave with trophy

QUEEN’S PARK under-19s finished second in the Oban Saints’ annual tournament on Saturday.

And they couldn’t have come any closer to winning the competition outright

Charley King’s squad headed up the west coast and faced Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock, Hamilton Accies and Dundee United as well as the hosts in a round-robin group of quick-fire games.

After losing their opener to Dundee United, winning three games against the Accies, Oban and Thistle placed the Spiders on top of the group and they couldn’t be separated from eventual winners Kilmarnock in a 0-0 draw.

It all came down to goal difference and the Ayrshire side edged out both Queen’s Park and Hamilton into a share of second place by a single goal.

The Spiders and Accies each scored six and conceded two for a goal difference of four, while Killie scored eight and conceded three to land the top spot.

Nevertheless Queen’s Park did not leave empty handed.

Leo Clark was named player of the tournament by organisers.

Under-19s head coach Charley King said: “Thank you to Oban Saints for a fantastic tournament.

“We performed well for the large part of the games with Leo in particular standing out and earning his award which is a great achievement.

“I’m proud of all the players and congratulations to Kilmarnock. We now look forward to progressing further and preparing for the new season.”

And it was a worthwhile exercise with the 19s very much part of Sean Crighton’s first team thoughts too.

Speaking after Friday night’s friendly with Celtic, the head-coach said: “A few of the boys are going to Oban for the tournament because they need to get out and play games as well.

“It means everyone is ready for next week. Not just the players who started tonight [Friday] – but everybody in the squad so when they are are called upon, they’re there, they’re needed and I’m looking forward to next week [against Spartans in the Premier Sports Cup] – it’s been a really exciting pre-season.”

Results:

• Dundee Utd 1-0 QPFC
• Hamilton Accies 1-2 QPFC
• Kilmarnock 0-0 QPFC
• Oban Saints 0-2 QPFC
• Partick Thistle 0-2 QPFC