BATTLING QUEENS DUMP THE BAIRNS

This was a rousing victory for a Queens side that never gave up against a quality Falkirk outfit who as expected dominated the game for long periods. Queens rearguard were magnificent and for once we had a good slice of luck and in the end fully deserved our victory. The Bairns as expected came at us from the kick-off with the dangerous Samuel causing havoc everytime he touched the ball. The Queens defence however gradually came to grips with the coloured striker's pace although he had bad luck when a searing shot came off the base of Scott's post and spun along the line and out of danger.For all their pressure Falkirk were not making many chances thanks to the Queens defence who were giving nothing away. Our midfield was battling away with Bowey and McColligan outstanding. Queens in fact had the best chance of the first half when Weatherson was sent clear on the left. Nelly seemed certain to score but the Falkirk keeper somehow got to his powerful drive and turned it round the post. The first half ended in a sort of stalemate with both defences dominating.

The Bairns came out with all guns blazing and the Queens defence had to be on their guard. The game was starting to open up and Queens came more into it however the home support were stunned in the 57th minute when Falkirk took the lead. The Bairns were awarded a dodgy free-kick just outside the box and Miller stepped back and beat Scott with a magnificent shot to the top corner. On the balance of play Falkirk fully deserved their lead and we all feared the worst and expected Queens to cave in. Queens were however not finished and on 63 minutes Bowey surged up the field only to be grounded just inside the box by two Falkirk defenders. The referee had no doubt it was a penalty and O'Neill did his usual expert job to send the Palmy support wild with delight. It was now GAME ON as Falkirk swarmed forward to try and regain the lead. Scott made two magnificent saves as the Bairns turned up the heat. Queens however were still very much in the game and with McLauglan now on the field fancied victory. Weatherson had a great chance but he sliced his shot round the post with the goal at his mercy. The Palmy crowd started to get on his back afterwards but he had the last laugh when he claimed victory for Queens in the 88th minute. Mc Laughlan ran clear on the right,turned inside the full-back and squared for Weatherson to almost burst the net amidst absolute mayhem behind the home goal. Nelly was almost dragged into the crowd and swallowed up in a sea of blue. The game however was far from won and Falkirk laid seige to the Queens goal in the dying minutes. Queens in the end held out for a memorable victory and our defence again was simply magnificent. Allen,Thomson,Anderson and Aitken played out of their skins along with Scott who kept out Falkirk with three magnificent saves. Our midfield never gave up and Mc Colligan is Queens most improved player. Lyle and Mc Alpine also played their part by closing down Falkirk's dangerous attacking full-backs and O'Neill battled away up front. I'm delighted for Nelly as the poor chap was getting some terrible stick from some quarters but he responded by scoring the winner. This win was a virtual six pointer as the rest of our rivals all lost ground. We can now head off for a day by the seaside at Ayr next week in good heart.