A welcome three points for Queens but they certainly rode their luck at times against a useful Airdrie side who must be kicking themselves as they squandered several good chances in the first half. Queens looked rather lethargic at the start and almost lost a goal in the first minute as Mc Laren was put through by Coyle but Scott in the Queens goal blocked his shot. Queens just could not get going although Paton and Burns were doing their best to create something against a tough-tackling Airdrie rearguard. Mc Laren again should have scored when clean through but Scott thwarted him again with a superb dive and block. Scott was in fact keeping Queens in the game as a header from Coyle was superbly turned round the post by the keeper. Queens gradually clawed their way back into the game without really threatening the Airdrie goal. Gibson looked in the mood but his final ball was letting him down. As the match approached half-time the home faithful feared the worst as Queens had hardly a shot on goal for the first-half whereas the visitors had at least three good chances to score.
Half - Time - Queens 0 Airdrie United 0
Queens looked more determined in the second half with skipper Bowey at last showing some form. Gibson was also weaving his magic on the left and Lyle was asking questions of the Airdrie rearguard. Airdrie were still a big threat but Queens were starting to make chances. On 53 minutes the Airdrie defence failed to clear a corner which Mc Niven headed back in for Bowey to sweep into the net. The game really opened up after this as Airdrie went all out for the equaliser but Thomson and Wood were in no mood to surrender and stood firm under some tremendous pressure. Bowey was now everywhere in midfield and kept driving Queens on and they always looked like adding to their tally. Bowey put the lively Lyle in on goal but somehow the Airdrie goalie blocked his shot as the crowd screamed for a goal. The last few minutes were quite tense as Queens held on for a welcome win but it was close. Queens could have been out of the game by half-time but Scott certainly kept them in the game. The second half was a different matter with Queens looking more like themselves. Bowey at last was showing some form with Paton now almost back to his best. Gibson and Burns looked lively on the wings and Lyle seems to have added some agression to his game. Scott in goal had a magnificent match and was well supported by Thomson and Wood. I was a bit concerned about Queen's performance in the first half but they certainly made amends in the second half. It's off to the plastic pitch at Hamilton next week so here's hoping we continue the good away form.
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