McNIVEN SALVAGES A POINT FOR QUEENS
Last updated : 24 September 2004 By Duke Of Galloway
Queens salvaged a point after all seemed lost against a big powerful Hamilton side at Palmerston on Saturday. Queens were without their influential skipper Bowey but had new signing Craig in at left back. The Douglas Park side had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and Queens goalie Scott looked very uncomfortable indeed especially with the high ball. Hamilton were making all the running whereas Queens struggled to put anything together. Accies deservedly took the lead on 18 minutes with a rather soft goal. Blackadder took a corner on the left and as Scott came out the wind seemed to take it away from the keeper and Lumsden gleefully poked the ball home at the far post as Palmerston fell silent. Queens just could not get into the game as they battled against the strong wind and McEwan had very little to do in the Accies goal. Scott on the other hand had to make two excellent saves from Blackadder efforts. Queens were quite happy to walk off at half-time only one goal down.Half-Time Queens 0 Hamilton Accies 1
What a difference in the second half as Queens now with wind advantage took control. The Hamilton defence was now under almost continuous pressure but thanks to their goalie McEwan they somehow survived. McLaughlan and McNiven all had great efforts saved by the keeper who was in inspired form. Something had to give and on 57 minutes McNiven was dragged to the ground just outside the box and the referee immediately gave a free-kick. McNiven took the kick himself and fairly belted it past McEwan with the aid of a slight deflection. Queens now had the game for the taking as the Accies defence showed signs of total collapse but the old failing in front of goal proved their downfall. McNiven had a great chance from point blank range to finish the game but somehow McEwan got to it and turned it round the post. Jaconelli probaby had the best chance towards the end when he raced in on goal but his lack of fitness told as he weakly shot over with McEwan stranded. Queens fans will obviously be disappointed in not getting the elusive home win but a point is better than nothing and we did well to hold Accies to one goal in the first half. New signing Craig looked the part at left back and his rocket throw ins were an interesting feature of his play. Thomson was his usual rock at the back well supported by Wood but Scott in goal had an uncomfortable afternoon in the windy conditions. Over all not a bad performance by Queens under the circumstances and with hopefully a few of our injured players back next week we can give Partick problems at Firhill.
 | McNIVEN EQUALISES FOR QUEENS |
 | ANXIOUS MOMENTS FOR QUEENS |
 | JUNIOR BLUES IN PARTY MOOD |
|
|
|