Queen of the South boss praises players after Scottish Cup defeat to St Mirren

Queens manager Marvin Bartley praised his players’ effort against Premiership side St Mirren despite their defeat in the weekend cup clash.

They were edged out 1-0 in Paisley’s wind-swept encounter and although Saints created the vast majority of chances, Queens could hold their heads high following the fourth round tussle which was only settled with an Alex Gogic header 19 minutes from the end.

Bartley said: “As long as you give your all, regardless of the result, I will give you a pat on the back. It was ten out ten for effort and that is what I got from my players.

“We left it all out there – and to a man they were absolutely fantastic against St Mirren.”

The match was a gritty affair with limited opportunities for Queens, but in 32 minutes there was despair for Bartley and little Lee Connelly after Lewis Gibson carved out a fine opening.

But the ball seemed to arrived too quickly for Connelly who was unable to make it count and the close range chance evaporated while the game was still goalless.

Both Bartley and Connelly clutched their heads in agony and the manager said afterwards: “I said before the game that chances were going to be few and far between and I said to the players that if you get a chance in this game then you need to take it because they are going to be hard to come by.

“But he is in the right area and on any other day he steers that towards goal. I think he is too close for the goalie to save it but it was too quick for him to control and I think he saw it late and it is one that he has to anticipate the defender missing it and it just didn’t happen for him.

“It will be better for him next week.

“As for the goal it was a frustrating one to lose.

“When you come to Premiership