Queen’s Park boss Gus MacPherson has backed his players to shrug off the defeat to Stranraer that ended their seven-match unbeaten run when they face Airdrieonians at Hampden this afternoon.

The Spiders had won five and drawn two before going down narrowly to Brian Reid’s men, but MacPherson is adamant that his team have the character to bounce back.

He says that his players were hurt by the loss, and they will be looking to make amends against an Airdrie side who have won both league meetings between the pair so far this season.

“The loss doesn’t take away from the run that we had,” MacPherson said.

“It’s inevitable in this league that you’re going to lose games, but it was some run and it was a good points total that we picked up in that period of seven games.

“It was a really poor game in really difficult conditions. There wasn’t a lot between the teams but it was just one of those days and a moment of magic from Willie Gibson won it for Stranraer.

“We didn’t play to the standards we had set, but we’ve dealt with that and we just need to move on from it.

“We’re lucky with the type of group that we have, they are very conscientious and they will be looking to lift that level again all by themselves.

“They were very frustrated by the loss, and they are very hungry and have shown terrific desire with how they have gone about their business after a slow start.

“It’s good signs to see in a dressing room when you drop points, you’d much rather have that than a quiet dressing room and the boys just accepting it. They’re not accepting of it, and that bodes well.

“It puts us in a decent position and we’re now competing in an area of the league where you would hope you can kick on and try to maintain that.

“It certainly gives the players the belief and the assurance that they can compete at this level of football.”

MacPherson was fulsome in his praise of today’s opponents, who he feels will be disappointed to be trailing Livingston at the top of the table.

“Airdrie are probably the best team that we’ve played in the league this year,” he said.

“Look at the attacking options that they’ve got in Andy Ryan who is probably the best striker in the league, and Iain Russell who is one of the most experienced strikers in the league, so there’s certainly a goal threat and Adam Brown has done particularly well this year as well.

“They have strengthened as well and we’ve had good teams against them. We drew the game against them in the Betfred Cup three-each and we’ve lost the two league games, but I certainly think they are the best overall team.

“They will be disappointed with their result in the derby game against Albion Rovers, but from the reports we’ve got back from the game they played well and created chances.

“So we know it will be a tough game, simply because of the quality that we are playing against.”

MacPherson is hoping to conclude some transfer business in January to bolster his squad for a tilt at the play-offs, but he accepts that it may not be possible unless others are feeling charitable.

He said: “We would like to bring some players in because I think it’s fair to say we’re short of some bodies, but we’re in a difficult position in that we’re relying on the goodwill of other clubs in terms of the loan market.

“We can only ask the questions to see if we can strengthen the group to help them in the second half of the season.”