QUEENS TAKE HIBEES RIGHT TO THE WIRE IN CIS CUP

Queens took permier league Hibernian all the way at Easter Road but paid the penalty for early defensive lapses. The game kicked off with many of the incredible Queens support of allmost 2,000 still queing outside. Hibs started off with a bang and Queens seemed all at sea as their premier league hosts made all the running. Queens looked shell-shocked as they tried to adjust to the pace of the game. The Doonhamers defence was sliced wide open in the 11th minutes when Riordan slotted past a stunned Scott to put the Hibees in the lead. The Queens defence looked badly at fault for the goal and 12 minutes later another defensive lapse let Riordan in again to give the Doonhamers a mountain to climb. Queens huge support were however giving their heroes tremendous encouragement and they gradually weathered the storm although Thomson was lucky not to concede a penalty when he hauled down a Hibs player in the box. Queens were now competeting much better and towards half-time they were beginning to ask questions of the Easter Road defence with Bagan and Reid both going close.

Half-Time Hibs 2 Queens 0

Queens opened up well in the second half and were much better organised as Hibs decided to sit on their lead. O'Connor was giving Murdock in the Hibs defence a torrid time and the big defender was using some dubious tactics to stop the Queens sriker. Queens made several half chances but somehow just could not break through the strong Easter Road rearguard. Hibs had several chances of their own but by now the Queens defence had settled and were looking much more confident. The huge Queens support were however still in good voice and cheered their heroes till the very end. They were rewarded in the final munutes when Murdock hauled down Wood in the box and Burke slotted home the subsequent penalty for Queens. Perhaps the best team won in the end but Queens put up a tremendous fight but gave themselves a mountain to climb by conceding those early soft goals. The astounding away support of almost 2,000 Queens fans surprised Easter Road and they must have also been impressed by a Doonhamers side who refused to give up and never at any stage did Hibs feel comfortable. Queens will learn a lot from this game and was a good yard stick on their ability to play at a higher level. Bowey after a slow start was dynamite in midfield and the defence refused to cave in after the early lapses. O'Connor must have impressed a lot of people and again young Burns played his part. Roll on Saturday for more drama against St Johnstone.