Despite dominating this local derby for long periods,Queens continued their goal famine against a Cleyhole side which quite frankly were there for the taking. Queens dominated the early exchanges cheered on by over 400 travelling suppporters,but could make nothing of a home defence who seemed quite content to sit in deep and soak up the pressure. Gradually Stranraer clawed themselves back into the game but their attacking efforts were no better than Queens with Scott in goal looking very assured indeed. The only incident of note in the first half was an effort by Swift that Scott diverted on to the crossbar but it was all a bit of an anti-climax as the referee awarded a free-kick for some obscure offence.
It had been a disappointing first half for all concerned and the only entertainment on view was the antics of the Queens support in the away Coo Shed, several of whom looked to have enjoyed some local hospitatlity prior to kick-off.
It had been a disappointing first half for all concerned and the only entertainment on view was the antics of the Queens support in the away Coo Shed, several of whom looked to have enjoyed some local hospitatlity prior to kick-off.
Half-Time
Stranraer 0 Queens 0
Stranraer came more into the game in the second-half and Moore had a shot headed off the line and Scott had to earn his corn on with some confident handling. Queens tried to take the game to the Cleyholers with McLaughlan to the fore but with O'Neill having a nightmare of a game, there was little chance of a goal. Queens however,almost snatched a goal in the closing stages when Mclaughlan set up Lovell with a glorious chance but the Stranraer keeper somehow turned the Aussie's drive on to the post and the chance was lost, much to the disgust of the Queens support. The game ended in an unsatisfactory draw with both camps claiming a morale victory but in my opinion everyone was a loser for the poor fare offered here to the fans. Queens although playing some nice football in the middle of the park just hadn't a clue how to open up a packed defence. O'Neill in my opinion is way past his sell by date and mistakes by Lovell in midfield almost cost us goals on at least a couple of occassions. Stranraer were also a huge disappointment and if this is the best they can perform at home then it's going to be a long hard season for them. The Queens defence gained pass marks but only McLaughlan showed anything up front. God knows what formation Scott will try out next Saturday against Hamilton as looks to end the goal famine.
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