QUEENS ROBBED OF VICTORY AT PERTH

Last updated : 21 December 2003 By Duke Of Galloway

O'Connor-Superb Equaliser

Queens had victory cruelly snatched from their grasp as Saints Paatelainen levelled the scores almost 7 minutes into injury time. This was cruel luck on a Queens team who had put up a superb display and were the most impressive team over the 90 minutes. Despite the atrocious underfoot conditions both teams served up an entartaining match with Queens in particular showing some delightful one touch football. Saints were first to settle with ex Queens favourite Mc Laughlan giving the Doonhamers defence a torrid time. Queens young goalkeeper Dodds had to be alert on several occassions but the visitors gradually settled and O'Connor began to make inroads into the home defence. The big man had a couple of early chances but both were blocked by the Saints defence who did not relish the physical presence of the dangerous striker who looked to have fully recovered fropm his recent injury. Queens seemed the likelier team at this stage until a tragic error by Thomson on 33 minutes gifted the home side a goal. The Queens defence had just thwarted a Saints attack and with three Queens defenders around the ball Thomson sliced his clearance into the unguarded net behind a bemused Dodds. Queens were absoulutely stunned but to their credit stormed up field and on 38 minutes O'Connor crashed the ball into the roof of the net to the delight of the large Queens support some of whom came dressed for the occassion in Santa gear. It was now game on and because of the conditions chances went a begging and both sides were happy to settle for a share of the spoils at half-time.

Half-Time St. Johnstone 1 Queens 1

Queens kicked off and looked the more impressive side with Paton having a superb match for Queens. The Doonhamers had managed to limit the threat of Mc Laughlan and Paatelainen and enjoyed long spells of domination in the midfield played some lovely football out of defence. Dodds in the Queens goal was having an impressive game with several diving saves which must have been pleasing for JC. Burke almost snatched a goal for Queens but his shot just slipped past the post and the unfortunate Wood missed an absolute sitter about five yards out when he miskicked completely with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Queens really had Saints on the rack and it was no surprise when Reid thundered a header in from a wonderful Paton corner 0n 82 minutes. The colourful away support celebrated the goal in style as their heroes ran to the touchline. Queens were well on top and within seconds of victory and with everyone screaming for the referee to blow the final whistle, Paatelainen somehow stole behind the Doonhamers defence to slide the ball past Dodds for a totally underserved equaliser. The Queens fans were absoulutely stunned and gave the referee a right roasting when he eventually blew the whistle almost seven minutes into injury time. The second half did start late but I think the official got it wrong I'm afraid. The final result put a slight tarnish on what I thoiught was a superb display by Queens under the circumstances with the midfield putting in a tremendous team effort. Dodds had a sound game for Queens in goal and on this display JC may not need to sign another goalkeeper. There were individual errors but generally Queens did not have a failure and I think they have recovered from their dodgy period. St Johnstone looked anything but promotion material and were shocked by the pace and fitness of a Queens team that just kept coming forward. There was another magnificent turnout of Queens fans who battled through the snow to get to Perth. On the way up on theTravel Club bus received several messages that the game had been cancelled and we had to confirm with Mc Diarmid Park that the pitch was playable. I beleieve Sky Sports had the game off at one stage and a young lad told me later in Dumfries that several supporters had turned back having been misinformed that the game was off. It looks like a cracker against Falkirk next Saturday and with Queens in this form the BAIRNS will be running scared.

QUEENS BATTLE IT OUT IN THE SNOW AT PERTH