Two early goals from Queens Park sent Celtic to defeat in the Glasgow Cup at Lesser Hampden.
Frankie Kameni and Connor McVeigh found the net in the first 11 minutes with the Celtic defense all at sea.
Marcus Fraser netted with the rebound from his own penalty in the 54th minute but Celtic were unable to force an equaliser.
“We’re obviously disappointed but you can’t take anything away from Queens Park,” coach Tommy McIntyre said afterwards. “They used the pitch well and made things difficult for us.
“We had a really poor start, at half time I spoke to the players and told them that the first half was way below what we expect of them.
“The result reflected the game, that’s my honest assessment and the players know that we’re disappointed by their performance.
“You can’t make judgements on one game. We’ll give our players the benefit of the doubt because sometimes with younger players theres a lack of consistency.
“I’ve told them not to hide from it, they have to ask what could they have done better and to analyse their perfformance.”
One bright spot from the match was the second half display of substitute Jason McGrath who took the game to the home defenders and came closest to equalising.
“Jason’s performance was pleasing,” McIntyre added. “A players age doesn’t bother me, if they come in and put pressure on other players they’ll get their chance.
“Jason has been in a couple of times at this level, he showed up well tonight but we have to nurture him through.”
Celtic have already qualified to meet Rangers in the final of the Glasgow Cup.
CELTIC: Fazan, Miller, Green, O’Brien, Chalmers; Fraser, Herron, Fisher, McClellan; Ankarhake, Hinley:
SUBS: Wightman, Henry, McGrath (Hinley 46) Mjallby (Ankarhake 77), Brown
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Excellent report, Joe. And a very fair assessment of the match from Tommy McIntyre. Disappointed with the result of course but credit to Queen’s Park who worked hard throughout and survived the final few minutes with ten men following the red card for a second bookable offence. For me, John Herron showed some nice skills and as you say Jason McGrath made a difference when he came on. Up against it early on from the two quick goals conceded. Somethin to learn from, I suppose.