Scorer ~ Albion Rovers : McLean (75, 82).

Super sub Charlie McLean played only the final twenty-seven minutes of this rain-soaked and wind-blown clash, but in that short time nevertheless managed to score the goals which sunk the Spiders and reawakened Rovers’ interest in the "who’s gonna be second" race.

With the driving rain and fierce wind looking like the only winners on the night, Champagne Charlie turned on the style to net his tenth and eleventh goals of a season which may yet turn out to be special for the Cliftonhill side.

Suspensions and injuries gave John McVeigh selection problems, but Paul Bonar was back in the squad, with young Kevin Donnelly finding a place on the bench.

Although Rovers had the initial benefit of the howling gale, just too many forward passes were overhit and went harmlessly out of play. Indeed, it was Queen’s who had the first chance when Alan Dunning’s fifth minute shot was saved at the base of a post by Chris Fahey. In 14 minutes, visiting defender James Brown was yellow-carded for downing Iain Diack, then Chris Silvestro put in a great last-ditch tackle to rob Liam McVey at the last moment. Within seconds, Mark Booth watched as his strong drive flew inches past a post and a back-header by the visitors’ Tony Quinn almost found his own net.

At the start of the second half, Queen’s were obviously hoping to use the wind to their advantage, but it simply didn’t work out that way as Rovers gained more and more control. Robert Coulter’s low rocket shot was well blocked by ‘keeper Graeme Smith before Craig Stevenson’s name was entered in Mr Conroy’s wee black book. In 63 minutes, shortly after Diack had weaved his way into the box and went down to a half-hearted claim for a penalty, Rovers changed their strike-force, with McLean and McCormick replacing Harty and Diack. It was to prove a masterstroke!

Following a moment of consternation when Mark Gallagher poked the ball behind Fahey only to have his effort chalked-off, Mclean decided to get in on the act. With fifteen minutes remaining, a many-bodied Rovers’ attack looked like being repelled, but after a couple of tries had been blocked, the ball broke to McLean on the six yard line and before anyone could move, he lashed it high into the net. Queen’s visibly wilted and seven minutes later, the bold Charlie did it again. This time Silvestro, inside the box, drove for goal. Once again, the ball was blocked but when it rebounded to our ace striker, he wasted no time in thumping it behind Smith for number two. Cliftonhill joy was unconfined! There was no way back for Queen’s. Rovers carefully played out the remaining time, but nevertheless might even have added to their tally.

The three points were well won and - whisper it - promotion is still very much a real proposition.

Albion Rovers : Fahey, R Coulter, McKenna, Smith, Easton, Booth, Waldie, Silvestro, Harty (McLean 63), Diack (McCormick 63), Bonar (Donnelly 65). Unused Subs : Tait, Shearer.

Queen’s Park : Smith, Brown, McVey, Collins, Stevenson, Cunningham (Fisher 83), Quinn, Whelan, Gallagher (Gemmell 70), Canning, Dunning. Unused Subs : Black, Patterson, Mitchell.

Referee : Steve Conroy.