Queen’s Park 1 Ross County 0 – Connolly crucial as Spiders Record vital win

AIDAN CONNOLLY’S header proved the difference under the Friday night lights as Queen’s Park defeated tenth-placed Ross County – and ensured they wouldn’t finish bottom of the William Hill Championship.

Pre-season saw many tip the Spiders for the drop but Sean Crighton’s side can no longer mathematically finish tenth following a massive three points in front of the BBC Scotland cameras.

Connolly’s 16th minute goal – from a clipped Scott Martin cross right onto his head – sent The city Stadium wild and capped a brilliant first half from the home side.

Without captain Euan Murray, nursing an injury sustained in his goalscoring performance at St Johnstone a fortnight ago, Sean Crighton drafted former Staggie Ricki Lamie into his defensive line which also included Roddy Macgregor deputising at right-back for the second game in a row.

The Spiders back-line held out, and then some.

The game was off to a quick start with the Spiders front-line creating a few early chances. The best came from Seb Drozd taking a brilliant turn and whipping the ball into the box. There was a scramble to get on the end of it and Akil Wright just managed to get rid of it for County. Not even a minute later and another brilliant chance came from the night’s skipper Louis Longridge crossing for Henry Fieldson to head inches over the bar. 

The Spiders were dominating and were rewarded with the opener. Just after the 15 minute mark, the ball was clipped to the backpost by Martin and it was an inch perfect delivery. Connolly planted his feet and steered the ball comfortably into the corner of Trevor Carson’s net.

County slowly began to come into the game more, but Queen’s defended their lead well and had a chance to make it two. From right-back, Macgregor got onto the end of another Drozd cross but he couldn’t finish it. 

On the stroke of half-time, The Staggies had their first clear cut chance of the game. Phillips shot from just inside the box, Calum Ferrie made a quick save with his foot, his first of the evening. 

The whistle went for the end of the 45, and The Spiders headed in at the break with a 1-0 lead after a dominant first half display. They controlled most of the ball and the goal from Connolly gave them a deserved advantage. 

Drozd fired just wide straight after the break but, compared to the first, the second half was a lot more end to end with The Staggies managing to create some build up play. 

The Spiders stood their ground and defended well. The hour mark passed and Queen’s managed to take advantage of a counter attack when Ruth sprinted all of 50 yards, he lifted the ball over a defender and zoned in, one on one, with Carson. He did everything right to the end but was unable to keep his shot down. 

County continued pushing for an equaliser but they weren’t clinical enough with their chances and Queen’s defending continued to prove too strong as the clock ticked away in the last 20 minutes.

With a one goal advantage, and so much at stake it was a nervy ending for the expanded home section but their relief, and joy, was audible at Colin Stephen’s full-time whistle as the Spiders ensured they would defy the pre-season pundits and avoid a tenth-placed finish with four games to go – and even move fifth in the table.

by Leah Johnston, Glasgow Clyde College