QUEENS BATTLE FOR A DRAW

Last updated : 02 November 2003 By Duke Of Galloway

Queens hung on grimly for a point after a second-half onslaught from Saints. Queens took the field without their influential skipper Bowey and were soon under severe pressure from a smart looking Perth side. The Queens defence however were giving nothing away andthe Doonhmares gradually settled and began to press forward with Paton causing problems with his surging runs. The attendance was a few hundred down from the Caley game and the atmosphere was a bit flat. Mc Colligan however lit up up Palmy in the 9th minute when he beat the Perth keeper with an angular drive to put Queens one up. The crowd suddenly woke up and the Glasgow Street end were soon in full voice accompanied by the bagpipes. Saints began to dominate as they looked for an equaliser but the Palmy faithful were giving their heroes tremendous encouragement. Queens suffered a severe blow when O'Connor limped off and had to be replaced by Lyle who looked far from fit. Saints pressed for most of the half but Queens with Thomson and Reid simply outstanding survived.

Half-Time Queens 1 St Johnstone 0

Saints carried on where they had left off and began to bombard the Queens goal as the Doonhmares staged a grim rearguard action. Thomson ,Reid along with Scott were magnificent as they kept the eager Perth side at bay. Scott had several wonderful saves and the woodwork came to his rescue on at least one ocassion. Queens however were not finished and were extremely dangerous on the break and had the chances to seal the game. Just when we thought Queens were going to survive,former Palmy favourite Mc Laughlin struck. Scoitt seemed to have his shot covered when the ball deflected off Thomson to land in the net. Over the peice Saints certainly deserved their equaliser but it was cruel luck on the Queens defence who were absolutely magnificent. There however was further drama towards the end when Wood and Reid had shots saved point blank by Cuthbert in the Perth goal and to round off an exciting game ref Young waved aside frantic claims by Queens for a penalty in the dying minutes after Wood seemed to be fouled. It however would have been rough justice on Saints if the penalty had been given as they in my opinion had been the better side on the day and will not be far away from a promotion place in the Spring. Queens certainly mised Bowey and I think their recent hectic schedule is beginning to take its toll. The O'Connor injury seems very serious and this will be a cruel blow to Queens but this will give Wood the perfect chance to stake a claim for a regular place in the team. We are still top of the league but it will tough going staying there with several tough fixtures coming up. Enjoy it while we can !

DESPERATE DEFENCE AS QUEENS KEEP THE SAINTS OUT

ANOTHER HEALTHY ATTENDANCE AT PALMY