Fowler Praises Atkinson

Last updated : 30 November 2014 By Quens MAD

  

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Atkinson makes a vital save

Queen's manager James Fowler watched his side fire four past Brora Rangers and praised them for keeping Queens` good run going.

Speaking on the Queen's Official Site Fowler insists he was relieved to get through and praised stand-in ‘keeper Jim Atkinson for his heroics.

He said: "We’ve got to give credit to Brora but we’re thankful to be in the next round.

"We were frustrated because we got off to a flying start and you’re thinking you can go on and score more and maybe we took our foot off the gas a little bit.

"Sometimes when you go a goal behind it takes the pressure off and that happened with Brora and they grew with confidence.

"They’ve been scoring a lot of goals and I’m pleased for Jim Atkinson because he made a few big saves and kept us ahead in the game.

Fowler also focused on the positivity of a good run in the cup and believes Queens aren`t scared of anyone at home.

The gaffer also highlighted the spirit in his squad as he faces a tough selection battle every week.

He said: "It`s a squad game and I expect boys to be disappointed when they don`t play but it’s all about how they react when they come on. It`s one of the toughest parts of this job.

"I think the cup is important for every club and it always adds a bit of finance.

"We just want a home tie as we’ve got a decent record at home and the way the draw has panned out with the big teams playing each other, it might open up. But we don’t fear anyone at Palmerston."

Meanwhile, gutted Brora boss Davie Kirkwood hailed his side for their dogged performance against the Doonhamers.

He said: "We gave a good account of ourselves but the start didn`t help. I think we controlled the game after that and the first 20 minutes of the second half we had them on the back foot.

"This has been a fairytale and fair play to the Queen of the South fans giving the team a standing ovation."

The draw for the next round of the Scottish Cup takes place at 2pm on Monday, whilst Queens return to league action next Saturday against Hearts at Tynecastle.