Alan Stubbs not content despite St Mirren edging Queen’s Park on penalties

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by PA

St Mirren boss Alan Stubbs was left frustrated after his side once again required a penalty shootout to defeat Queen’s Park following a goalless draw in the Betfred Cup clash at Hampden Park.

Saints drew their first two Group H games against Kilmarnock and the Spartans, and went on to triumph on spot-kicks on both occasions to gain an extra point in each game, and again they were taken all the way before emerging victorious on Tuesday evening. Craig Samson saved twice in a 5-4 win.

However, Stubbs was far from happy and is continuing his search for new players.

He said: “It was frustrating. We didn’t create enough chances and we obviously still have a lot of work to do and we obviously need to strengthen the squad.

“It is not for the lack of trying. A lot of the rest of the clubs are also finding it difficult to get the right type of players in.

“We know what type of players we want but it is not easy getting them.”

The League Two outfit were well worth the draw but, when 90 minutes had elapsed without a goal, Ross Stewart, Paul McGinn, Kyle Magennis, Stephen McGinn and Ryan Flynn scored from the spot for the Ladbrokes Premiership side with Spiders keeper Jordan Hart saving Danny Mullen and Hayden Coulson’s efforts.

Samson saved from Jamie McKernon and Brendan Sharpe, with Ciaran Summers driving his penalty over the bar. Scott Gibson, William Mortimer, Joshua Peters and Calvin McGrory scored for the home side.

Queen’s Park boss Gus MacPherson was pleased with his side’s performance.

He said: “(It’s) one decision the organisers have got right, in terms of no extra time and you go straight to penalties.

“We could never have lasted that. But we were outstanding.”