QUEEN’S PARK manager Gus Macpherson insists his side must be regarded as rank outsiders in their League 1 play-off semi-final with Cowdenbeath.

The Spiders went down 1-0 at Annan Athletic on Saturday thanks to a Peter Weatherson goal and only just held onto fourth place in League 2 on goal difference.

They will play host to Cowdenbeath at Hampden on Wednesday night with Macpherson insistent that there should be no real pressure on his players’ shoulders as they enter the match.

“We will go in as the underdogs, but the way we second half against Annan bodes well,” he said. “We had to defend for our lives after losing a bad goal, but we stood up to the challenge.

“We were under a lot of pressure, but I don’t think our keeper had a save to make.

“I am delighted.”

Macpherson and his players also received a strong vote of confidence from everyone within the club ahead of their play-off match with the club committee posting a message of congratulation and hope on the official website on Saturday evening.

“The President, Committee, Members and Supporters of Queen’s Park FC would like to express their thanks to the 1st XI staff and especially the players,” it read.

“It has been an exciting season and they are all to be congratulated for securing a play-off space.

“Whilst some may be a little disappointed with the result today, the bigger picture should not be lost and we are sure everyone will get behind the team in our bid to secure promotion.”

Annan would have pipped Queen’s to the play-off spot had they scored one more goal and that left their manager Jim Chapman hugely frustrated.

“It wasn’t today that cost us,” said Chapman after the final whistle. “It was an accumulation over the season. It is frustrating because this is the best squad we have had here.”