James Fowler heaped praise on Zander Clark as the ‘keeper pulled off two outstanding saves in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Alloa.

Clark denied Mark Docherty with a stunning save when the game was poised at 0-0 in the second half.

And Fowler admits he was relieved to pick up the three points with play-off rivals Falkirk faltering on the road against Raith Rovers.

The gaffer said: “If it wasn’t for Zander I think they would’ve scored - it’s great for him to keep a clean sheet.

“He made a couple of good saves and we see that every day in training.

“We’re relieved, first half we were on top but Alloa were probably the better side in the second half.

“We were conscious after the Rangers game where we struggled the following week and we didn’t want to do that following the big performances.

“I thought it was going to be one of those days, Alloa came to frustrate us so we’re delighted with the win.

“The result gives us a boost and Raith are going well but to get the win here was important – it’s been a good day for us.”

Meanwhile, Alloa boss Barry Smith was frustrated at his side’s lack of a killer instinct – and heaped more praise on Zander Clark.

He said: “That’s the story of our season, we don’t take our chances and we get beat by one chance. I can’t accept getting beat – that has to stop.

“Clark’s had two top drawer save, we’ve finished the game with four strikers on the park to find a goal – but it didn’t happen.”

Queens remain in fourth, three points ahead of Falkirk, but face a tough test at Palmerston next week when they take on league leaders Hearts.