Bounce back plea against Blue Toon

QUEEN of the South boss Peter Murphy has demanded his stuttering side to bounce back with a victory over Peterhead this weekend. The Doonhamers’ winless League One run extended to four matches after a 3-2 away loss to Montrose. And Murphy — who admitted their Blue Toon televised disaster earlier in the season was the lowest he’s felt as Queens gaffer — knows the team need to get back to winning ways pronto to avoid being sucked into play-off drama. The Palmy chief didn’t hold back after their 3-2 loss away to Montrose last weekend saying his side’s start to the game was “absolutely terrible”. Murphy said: “It was a very soft goal to lose from the corner and then we conceded again. Last season we conceded in the first minute in the play-offs against Cove and it was really tough to get back into it. To go 2-0 down away from home, then you are asking questions of the players. “We did have chances and we changed our shape for the second half. We got back into the game with two goals, which was excellent. “At that point we shouldn’t be losing the game. The goal they scored was worthy of winning any game but they shouldn’t get in the position to do that. “We hit the bar in the last second of the game. It could’ve been very different for us but you can legislate for that start. It is not acceptable at any level for any time. “We’re shipping way too many goals. We spoke about getting back to clean sheets but we’ve come away conceding three. It’s not good enough. “At the minute it’s very sore and we need to bounce back, but I said this last week. “We need to make sure we’re ready to go and start really well and fast against Peterhead.” Meanwhile, several first team players featured for the under 19s in a 3-1 win over Airdrie 19s during the week. Nicky Clark, Jordan Allan, Callum Penman, Niall Rogerson, Seb Mason and Ben Johnstone all started for the Doonhamers kids. On-loan Carlisle forward Mason netted twice, whilst strike partner Allan also got on the scoresheet. Queens host Peterhead on Saturday with a 3 pm kick-off.