GRETNA HAMMER ROCK BOTTOM QUEENS

Queens went down to another heavy defeat to League Leaders Gretna despite a bright opening in which they could easily have taken the lead. The teams kicked off in front of a 3714 crowd which was well down on their previous meeting at Palmy . Gibson who may well be a Killie player soon was in fine form and was causing the big Gretna defenders no end of bother. He very nearly gave Queens a deserved lead but Main in the Gretna goal managed to turn the ball past the post. Queens forced a series of corners which were easily dealt with by the Gretna defence. Just as it looked like the home side may snatch the lead, Gretna went one up when McMenamin was given an empty net after indecision in the Queens rearguard. You could sense the sigh of disappointment from the home faithful as the goal went in and McMenamin taunted the Porland Road End Faithful. Queens were by no means out of it but failed to capitalise on some good approach play. Shortly after half-time Queens were dealt a mortal blow when Skelton was given the freedom of Palmy and was allowed to chip over the advancing Scott to put Gretna 2-0 up and firmly in the driving seat. Queens refused to lie down and mounted some suatained pressure on the Gretna goal with the home fans roaring them on. Main had several fine saves during this period and the visitors survived this sticky period to eventually pick Queens off at will. Townsley squeezed in a third thanks to a wicked deflection and Skelton eventually buried Queens with a fourth towards the end. This was another huge letdown for the Queens support but they can have few complaints as Gretna were far more streetwise and ran out deserved winners although the 4-0 scoreline was slightly flattering. We are now deep in the relegation mire and much will depend on who we bring in during the January window. Queens manager has indicated that new faces are on the way and by jove do we need them.

Queen's defence under pressure McMenamin opens the scoring for Gretna Is this farewell to Willie?