Queen's Park 0-2 Airdrie

Mar 2 2008 Ally Graham Reports

AMBITIOUS Allan Russell has set himself a target of 25 goals for the season - and hopes it will earn him a move to a big club.

The hitman struck twice to take his tally to 19 as Airdrie kept up the pressure on league leaders Ross County.

And Russell - who saw a transfer window move to Kilmarnock fall through two months ago - hopes his impressive striking will attract SPL attention.

He said: "I've now got 19 this season - the most I've scored in a season in my career. But with plenty of games left, I hope I can at least reach the 25 mark.

"I'm looking to step up the leagues next season so hopefully my all-round play as well as my goals can help me get there."

Airdrie manager Kenny Black praised Russell's strike pal Stuart Noble - despite seeing him miss a golden opening in the first half.

He said: "Noble's missed chance was unbelievable but he made up for it with his overall play. Our goals came at vital times and the second was pleasing."

Noble was just three yards out when he failed to get on the end of an inch perfect Russell cross in 25 minutes.

Airdrie defender Marc Smyth was lucky to escape with just a booking on 37 minutes when he body-checked Spiders playmaker Alan Trouten as the midfielder was set to break through on goal.

And five minutes after the break, Trouten again caused problems with a neat piece of skill but Airdrie keeper Stephen Robertson blocked his shot.

Queen's keeper Zander Cowie kept Airdrie out until the 61st minute when Russell hammered home Noble's cutback.

And the Diamonds added a second with 10 minutes to go when Russell's diving header from Ricky Waddell's cross gave Cowie no chance.

Disappointed Queens boss Gardner Speirs said: "The first half was quite even but they were stronger physically in the second half.

"But my boys know they can do better so we'll work on it and try and lift them for next week."

Black also had some sympathy for the Spiders and said: "Every game against Queen's Park at Hampden is hard-fought and I'm surprised they are in the position they are."