Queens extended their winning run to four after a dour struggle against a struggling County side. The game never reached the heights of the cracker against St Johnstone but a tired looking Queens side did just enough to secure the points thanks to a two goal burst in the opening 12 minutes in which they almost blew the highlanders away. A delightful pass from O'Connor let O'Neill in and he brilliantly stroked the ball into the net from an acute angle on 5 minutes.
The crowd of nearly 2,500 were baying for more and on 12 minutes Adams obliged by side-footing the ball home after O'Neill had latched on to a long free-kick by Paton. After this great start things started to go a bit flat as Queens took their foot off the pedal and County took full advantage. The Highlanders pressed hard for an equaliser but Thomson and his troops held firm at the back with McDonald in goal looking in superb nick.
County came out fighting in the second half and had a lot of the ball but they lacked a cutting edge up front although they came close after a Laughlan error almost let them in with McDonald saving the day. Queens didn't show up as much of an attacking force in the second half and seemed content just to soak up the County pressure which didn't make entertaining viewing for the fans.
In the end Queens ran out fairly comfortable winners but the recent tough encounters with Gretna and St Johnstone were obviously beginning to take their toll. The injuries to Dobbie and Laughlan didn't help matters but we now have a week to regroup and be nice and fresh for the visit of Dundee next week which will be yet another massive game. A decent crowd also yesterday of almost 2,500 considering County only brought down a hanful of supporters.
Duke's Man of the Match - Jim Thomson - A stroll in the park for JT
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