outstanding |
Mark Corcoran looked lively from the start and Queens' 'keeper, Colin Scott, was called into action early, saving from the striker after David van Zanten had released him on a nimble run.
Scott smothered the ball as John Sutton ran on to a van Zanten pass and Sutton headed wide from Corcoran's cross as Saints increased the tempo.
Queens were restricted to hopeful long-range efforts from Gary Wood and John O'Neill as their hosts piled on the pressure; Corcoran had another shot saved after a darting break and a Charlie Adam free-kick curled inches over.
Adam headed a Simon Lappin cross wide with the goal at his mercy and the first half ended with Corcoran's hooked shot being saved by Scott.
Saints spent the entire second half camped in their visitors' half. Lappin's header from Kirk Broadfoot's cross was turned aside by Scott, but Sutton failed to convert when Scott fumbled an Adam free-kick.
Queens could not exploit the spaces left as Saints poured everybody forward, but their defence, in which Jim Thomson was outstanding, provided sterling resistance as the home support grew more desperate.
With most resigned to 0-0, Stewart Kean made one last surge into the opposing box; he resisted the temptation to have a late blast for glory and rolled the ball back across the area.
Billy Mehmet missed it but Adam, with commendable composure, knocked it past Scott from ten yards.
Queens MAD verdict - Queens came so close to gaining a valuable point but St Mirren deserved their win. Once again Queens were well organised and the league leaders had to dig deep to get their vital win.
Queens Mad man of the match - Jim Thomson was outstanding at the back as Queens were pegged back by the home side during the second half.