QUEEN'S PARK boss Gardiner Speirs has heaped praise on his players after they gave runaway league leaders Ross County a serious scare on their own turf.

The Spiders came within just a few minutes of causing a serious upset against County at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Only a late strike from County midfielder Paul Lawson gave the home team a 3-2 triumph that keeps their bid for a return to the First Division on track.

Speirs beamed: "I thought we were excellent, particularly in the second half. The boys deserve enormous credit for how they played.

"Although we lost the game, we got the ball down, passed it about and attacked. Our strengths are pushing forward and going for goals."

After Derek Adams' side had taken the lead through Michael Gardyne and Andy Barrowman, Mark Ferry and Alan Trouten were both on target for Queen's Park.

Speirs added: "Their second goal came very much against the run of play so I was pleased when we scored and managed to get back on level terms."

Despite the new manager's optimism, the amateur outfit remain just two points above Cowdenbeath in second bottom spot.

Meanwhile, Albion Rovers boss John McCormack has refused to write off his side's chances of winning a play-off place, despite seeing them blow a two- goal lead against Stenhousemuir.

Goals from Paul Walker and John Gemmell gave the Rovers the lead at Ochilview, but Scott Dalziel netted twice to ensure a share of the points for the home team.

McCormack said: "We should have won after being two goals ahead. We have to start winning games like this to attain a play-off place."

Meanwhile, Dumbarton's Martin Cannning netted twice as his side beat Arbroath 2-1.