QUEEN'S PARK gaffer Gardner Speirs has admitted his side must find a killer touch in front of goal in time for Sunday's Second Division play-off semi-final second leg with Stenhousemuir.

The Spiders went down 2-1 at Ochilview last night in the first leg with midfielder Paul Harkins' 33rd-minute strike keeping their hopes alive.

It was also QP's first goal in 430 minutes of competitive football and Speirs admits his team must be more lethal in the return leg.

He said: "The bottom line is that we are lacking a cutting edge in front of goal. Ultimately that is what has got us in the play-offs and we must find our shooting boots for Sunday.

"Paul Harkins took his goal really well and perhaps the fact that it came from a midfielder tells a story, but it was a very important goal for us.

"The main thing is that the tie is just at half-time and we are still very much in it. At 2-0 down it did not look good but the boys showed character and heart, as they have done all season, and we got our reward with Paul's goal."

In the other Second Division play-off semi-final, Cowdenbeath will take a 2-1 advantage into their home leg against East Stirling tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Airdrie United claimed what looks like a decisive 2-0 win at Peterhead in the first leg of their Division One play-off semi-final.

Goals from John Baird and Scott McLaughlin have made the Diamonds overwhelming favourites for a final clash that looks likely to be against Ayr United, who hold a 2-0 advantage over Brechin ahead of their home leg tomorrow.

Delighted Diamonds boss Kenny Black said: "The next goal will be the crucial one in this tie. We are in a very good position and, if we score, it would make it very difficult for Peterhead to get back into things.

"To go to a place like Peterhead and a tight wee ground like Balmoor and come away with two goals and a clean sheet was a great result for us. It's up to us to finish the job."