Spiders still climbing - watch Queen's Park v Ayr on BBC

Queen's Park continues to defy expectations and remains a strong competitor in Scottish football despite financial setbacks. Under manager Sean Crighton, the club's academy sides have thrived, with under-17s and under-19s winning their respective leagues last season. The club's presence is still felt through Lord Haughey's City Charitable Trust, which has helped upgrade the training ground at Lochinch.

Queen's Park's manager, Crighton, believes the team has the facilities and talent to be a strong Championship team. Several players, such as Josh Fowler, Seb Drozd, Henry Fieldson, Ross McLean, and Tyrece McDonnell, have moved on to higher-level clubs, but new talent has stepped up to fill their shoes. Central midfielder Scott Martin is impressed by the emerging Scottish talent, both in the younger academy sides and the experienced players coming through from Rangers.

Although the team is currently second bottom in the Championship, Crighton remains optimistic, citing a turning point against Partick Thistle and the belief that they can secure a point against current leaders Ayr United.