Same again, says Queens boss Chisholm

Mar 13 2009 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

queens

GORDON Chisholm gave his players a massive pat on the back after Tuesday’s stunning win against Dundee – but he warned it won’t mean anything unless they can do the same tomorrow against Airdrie.

The Queens’ gaffer issued the rallying call in the dressing room following the 3-2 victory at Dens Park as he praised their grit and determination.

But Airdrie pose another hurdle and three points would make a massive difference to either team.

Chisholm told the Standard: “I said to them we have got to go and win on Saturday or this result doesn’t count.

“We have had a load of draws but they don’t seem to do anything in this league.

“Tuesday night was only one result, we need to go and do it again.”

That’s now seven games unbeaten for Queens.

But the Palmerston boss admits he is baffled by the tightness of the First Division this season in which a run of defeats or victories can see you propelled up or down the table.

Indeed, his own team fell victim to that plot as they slipped off the top of the table earlier in the season.

The opponents that await in Airdrie may sit bottom of the First Division but Chisholm insists that is no slur on their ability.

He said: “Usually by this time in the season you start to get a clearer idea about who might be going down but it is a very tight league this year where two or three bad results can push you right down into the relegation zone.

“Airdrie will be wanting to pull us back down there with them so we need to go and win on Saturday and get those two or three wins in a row get ourselves out of that position.”

The reality is, a win against Airdrie for Queens could see them in third place by 4.45pm on Saturday evening.

Chisholm added: “We are expecting a very difficult game but I have said to the boys that it is about us; we are capable of doing it.

“There is good character in the side, there is determination.

“In this league it is about being competitive every week, it doesn’t matter if you don’t play fancy football but when you make sure you compete against the teams you are up against, I think we have the players to take it that one step further.”

Chisholm will again leave his team selection to the last minute on Saturday as he looks at a few players who have niggling injuries such as Stephen Dobbie and Bob Harris.

Sean O’Connor is still struggling with his knee injury and the gaffer says he will assess his fitness before the Airdrie match to see if he can play any part.