Cup progression for the second time in 3 days saw the Spiders defeat 10-man Rangers B by 3 goals to 1 at The city Stadium. Despite going behind in the first half, a red card for the visitors would change the complexion of the game and the Spiders ran out comfortable winners to progress into the SPFL Trust Trophy semi-final.
Queen’s Head Coach Callum Davidson stressed the need to use the full squad for the SPFL Trust Trophy clash with Rangers B following a strenuous 120 minutes plus penalty kicks only 3 days ago. There were 6 changes to the line-up following Saturday’s penalty shoot-out win over Partick Thistle, Jack Wills earned some game time replacing Calum Ferrie in goal, Zach Mauchin came in for Cammy Kerr, experience replaced experience as Sean Welsh replaced Louis Longridge, Josh Scott came in from the start for Ryan Duncan, and Jack Thomson and Henry Fieldson both dropped to the bench replaced by Dane Murray and Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia.
The game’s first chance came fortuitously for the visitors as a slip from Josh Scott allowed Archie Stevens to cross and Rice’s shot deflected wide.
Rangers B had another chance moments later as a long ball forward from Munn, found Curtis. Rangers had a man over as he played in Eadie who ran through on goal, but Wills was alert and smothered his shot well.
Queen’s had a penalty shout on 22 minutes as Scott found himself through, getting goal side of the Rangers defender and the Queen’s full-back went down. However, referee Peter Stuart didn’t deem enough contact for the spot kick to be awarded.
Rangers B would open the scoring on 26 minutes. Despite a slip from Paul Nsio, a cross into the box was met by the head of Cole McKinnon, and he nodded the ‘Gers in front.
A quick bowl forward from Rangers B ‘keeper Munn, caught the Queen’s defence off-guard and again the light blues would have a man over, this time it would be Stevens down the left to switch play. His ball found left-back Robbie Fraser out on the right wing, he cut in to unleash a curling effort that hit the post.
Queen’s would have their first attempt on target on 31 minutes following patient play by Turner carved out a half-yard for himself. His effort at goal was matched by Munn, in the Rangers goal as he tipped the ball over.
The game would change on 36 minutes, as Rangers defender Nsiala saw a red card for an off the ball incident.
Half-time: Queen’s Park 0-1 Rangers B
Queen’s would equalise almost straight from the restart. Jack Turner’s cutback found skipper Dom Thomas on the edge of the box. His effort would kiss the post on the way in and nestle in the bottom right corner, as the scores were levelled on 47 minutes.
The Spiders would score again on 55 minutes. Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia picked the ball up on the right-hand side. He delivered a sumptuous hip-height cross that was begging to be touched in, and Jack Turner arrived in the box to volley home and give the Queen’s the lead.
Queen’s continued to overload the wide areas trying to get in behind the Rangers defence. Ryan Duncan pushed forward and an excellent overlapping run by Zac Mauchin produced a dangerous ball across the box. Thomas’ effort looked to be going wide before Alex Hutton tried to clear, but his attempt only found the bottom corner of his own goal to extend Queen’s lead to 3-1.
On 85 minutes goal scorers Turner and Thomas would be replaced by vice-captain Louis Longridge and Max Thompson making his QP debut.
As the game neared its conclusion, Max Thompson teed up Liam McLeish, however his powerful low drive whistled just wide on 88 minutes.
Queen’s are through to the SPFL Trust Trophy semi-final, where we will face East Kilbride, with the tie currently scheduled for the 28th of January.
Full-time: Queen’s Park 3-1 Rangers B
Queen’s Park: Jack Wills GK; Zach Mauchin, Josh Scott, Sean Welsh, Dom Thomas (C), (Max Thomson ’85) Roddy MacGregor, (Ryan Duncan ’61) Will Tizzard, Zak Rudden, (Liam McLeish ’71) Jack Turner, (Louis Longridge ’84) Dane Murray, Rocco Hickey-Fugaccia (Josh Hinds ’60)
Unused Subs: Calum Ferrie (GK), Jack Thomson, Cammy Kerr, Henry Fieldson.
Rangers B: Mason Munn GK; Alex Hutton, Robbie Fraser, Clinton Nsiala, Kristian Webster (C), Bailey Rice, Archie Stevens, (Josh Gentles ’67) Cole McKinnon, Chris Eadie, ( Layton Grant ’38) Paul Nsio, (Callum Burnside ’61) Findlay Curtis.
Unused Subs: Rdyn McGuire (GK) Jack Wylie, Connor Campbell, Blaine McClure, Aiden McCallion, Lewis Stewart.
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