MAGIC JOHNSTON SEALS IT FOR QUEENS
Queens kick-started their season in the best possible way by inflicting the first league defeat on Accies, and only an inspired performance by goalkeeper Tomas Cerny prevented a much more emphatic scoreline.
Accies almost went a goal behind afternine minutes when Stephen Simmons got a head flick to a Chris Higgins free kick but Cerny, who must have seen the ball late through a ruck of players, made a spectacular save to turn the ball past his post.
Queens, who had only beaten Accies three times in their previous 22 clashes in the past 11 years, should have edged in front in 21 minutes when Allan Johnston swung over a teasing cross from the right which Kevin Smith got his head to eight yards out, but failed to hit the target.
Gus MacPherson's side, who began the day as the only team in the First Division without a win, continued to impress and Craig Reid was just off the mark with a thunderous 25 yard effort in 31 minutes.
Accies, who had drawn their last two matches before the enforced break, lacked continuity, creativity and penetration, and when Queens went ahead in 51 minutes it was no more than they deserved.
Allan Reid sent a long ball downfield which Martin Canning failed to clear and veteran Johnston nipped in to head over Cerny from 16 yards.
Queens should have gone two up in 65 minutes when Danny Carmichael, less than a minute after replacing Kevin Smith, popped up at the far post but his flick was brilliantly saved by Cerny. But that was nothing in comparison to the one-handed save the overworked Accies keeper produced to push anther Carmichael angled effort over the bar in 75 minutes.
Queens Mad Man of the Match - Kevin Smith - Looked the part in an impressive Queens display.
Image Courtesy of www.qosfc.com
