Queens Park 1 Albion Rovers 1

Last updated : 21 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

A superbly struck free-kick in the fourth minute of injury-time by veteran full-back Jered Stirling gave Albion Rovers a draw against Queens Park at Hampden Park.

The Coatbridge side looked almost certain at that stage to be heading for defeat, after falling behind to a first-half strike from Queens' Ross Clark.

Managerless Queens started the game well with Clark testing Rovers keeper Chris Fahey with a powerful header, but the visitors responded with a low shot from John Bradford which hit the side netting.

The home side took the lead in the 20th minute, Clark taking advantage of a poorly struck back pass by Jim Mercer before striking the ball beyond the helpless Fahey from 15 yards.

The Spiders appeared to be in control at that stage and could have increased their lead before half-time, but they were fortunate to remain in front when Rovers were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Paul Harvey tripped Marc McKenzie.

Stirling saw his spot-kick saved by the in-form David Crawford in the Queens goal and, the visitors continued to scorn opportunities to equalise, most notably when Mark Yardley headed over the bar from only three yards.

However, with the last kick of the ball Stirling powered in a 20 yard free-kick to give Rovers a deserved point.