Win books Queen’s Park another Final Appearance

QUEEN’S PARK under-17s reached the CAS Cup final with a 2-1 away win over Ross County.

With many of Lee Mitchell’s side already helping the Spiders to a first ever Scottish Youth Cup final next month, they have a second showpiece to look forward to after a hard-fought victory over the Staggies’ ten men.

Caiden Wright and Luke Moore were on target for the Wee Spiders in Dingwall. 

As semi-finals often do, Friday’s fixture opened tentatively, with two cagey teams keeping it tight early on and rarely giving up chances.

However the Spiders had the ball in the net after breaking through the home side’s offside line – or so they thought. The opener was cancelled out for offside and for the remainder of the first half, Ross County put their visitors under pressure.

Long balls over the top gave the defence plenty of work and eventually, just before the interval one told and the home side hit half-time a goal ahead.

Mitchell delivered a positive message at half time – and that was reflected in the start from the Wee Spiders.

Luke Moore was on the end of a progressive passage of play, well-worked across the pitch and ran clear through on goal. As he did he was pulled back, leading to the dismissal of County’s central defender. 

The free-kick didn’t bring about a goal but with a man advantage and positive play set out from the start of the second half, the Spiders kept applying pressure.

Eventually Queen’s Park levelled through Caiden Wright. Neat footwork in the box created space and a finish beyond the goalkeeper for the equaliser. 

Down to ten men, County were penned in and struggled to push back against the visiting team’s play and Mitchell’s side grabbed the winner after good work from Grant Kerr on the right hand side. His cross missed everyone but Luke Moore finished after meeting it at the back post. 

Coach Mitchell said: “Again, I’m really proud of the entire group of players. The consistency and resilience they have shown this season has been incredible. 

“No matter the level, to remain unbeaten at this stage in the season and make another final is a fantastic achievement.”

In the other match of the week, Queen’s Park under-19s went down 2-1 away to Airdrie.