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‘There will be no repeat of our costly cup blunder’

GRAEME CROSER

MARIJN BEUKER has vowed that there will be no repeat of the administrative blunder that denied Queen’s Park a shot at winning the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1893.

The Spiders were expelled from the competition after fielding an ineligible player in their fourth-round victory over Inverness Caley Thistle.

Reinstated, the Highlanders have defeated Livingston and Kilmarnock to book a place in the semi-finals — where they are favourites to overcome League One opponents Falkirk.

Queen’s director of football Beuker admits there is frustration at the severity of the punishment yet also holds his hands up over the oversight that saw on-loan Hearts player Euan Henderson — signed after the postponement of the original tie — fielded in the rescheduled encounter with Inverness.

He said: ‘It’s frustrating that we got knocked out and, yes, it’s harsh but, on the other hand, these are the rules.

‘We made that mistake and, for sure, we won’t make it again.’

Despite their cup issue, Queen’s are on course for a memorable season. Currently top of the Championship and on course for promotion under Owen Coyle, Beuker admits he’d also love to be dreaming of Europe.

‘Personally, I miss European football,’ said the former AZ Alkmaar strategist. ‘I don’t like not having that and I would like it again soon.

‘The cup was the shortest way. But there were two matches so it’s not a given that we would get it. With all the challenges we have around the stadium it’s a big compliment to the team and the staff that we have done so well this season.’

Football

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2023-03-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/283626764300687

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