Queen of the South boss preparing to face League One leaders Falkirk

Marvin Bartley told how he began preparing for tomorrow’s Falkirk clash virtually the moment the final whistle blew on the derby day win over Annan.

Queen of the South’s meticulous manager disclosed he would be dismissing New Year celebrations to plan the downfall of the Bairns.

He was stirred following the Doonhamers’ defeat on their last meeting with Falkirk when a late Brad Spencer goal sank South in a 1-0 loss.

And Bartley was acutely away of the title favourites’ form following their crushing 5-0 home triumph over Stirling Albion last weekend and also hinted at having new faces in the line up with the transfer window opening.

He said: “It was a hard one to take the last time we were there at Falkirk.

“I will go home and start preparing my players for that game and focusing on Falkirk.

“We know they have won 5-0 against Stirling so we know how tough it will be.

“I am unsure at the moment, but I will have to start looking around with the transfer window opening and it will take a little bit of pressure off.

“But it is not something I will rush into.”

Bartley savoured the win over Annan with a patched-up side following more injuries and illness including Lee Connelly who begged to play and was thrown on in the second half from the bench as a substitute.

The manager said: “I was delighted with the win and the players deserved it.

“I felt we were in control and it (Annan’s opener) probably came against the run of play. I felt the players were in control up to that point and were on top.

“They gave it everything and it was a good game with some great tackles and it was the first time as a retired player that I missed being out there.”

Bartley added of the casualty count: “Lee was ill but