On loan Gretna striker David Bingham laid on one goal and scored another as Queens comprehensively defeated a disappointing Borderers side at Palmy on Wednesday evening. Over 1100 turned up as a minutes silence was observed for the sad passing of old Queen's favourite Gary Telfer.
The Palmy surface was in beautiful condition as the game kicked off and Queens looked in the mood with Dobbie causing havoc amongst the Gretna defenders. Queens had on trial a tall defender by the name of Atkin from Newcastle along with McGowan at the back. Queens however received a blow when the latter had to leave the field with what looked like a pulled muscle and Aitken came on to replace him.
Queens continued to dictate the pace and Dobbie was unlucky on a couple of occassions not to have scored. Gretna on the other hand showed very little up front and MacDonald in the Queens goal had very little to do.
Queens were the better team in the first half but the away defence held firm and the half ended goaless.
Half-Time - Queens 0 Gretna 0
Queens totally dominated the second half whereas Gretna were restricted to the odd breakaway. Queens played some lovely football at times and bombarded the Gretna goal in which Mathieson had an inspired match. He was eventually beaten in the 71st minute when O'Connor turned in a Bingham pass. Bingham almost scored a magnificent second minutes later but his drive just cleared the bar. Bingham however made amends in 74th minute when he powered a header past Mathieson from a Paton corner.
Gretna eventually came out of their shell and threw on what substitutes they had available but Queens had the upper hand and only poor finishing and some great stops from Mathieson prevented a rout. Gretna eventually managed a consolation goal from McLaren in injury time but it was all academical as Queens ran out comfortable winners.
On this showing Queens will have a good season in Division 1 and Gretna will have problems surviving in the SPL.
Carlisle provide the opposition on Saturday and they will surely be a tougher test than what Gretna provided.
Queens injury list continues to mount with the addition of Aitken and McGowan to the long list of players on the sick list.
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